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THE YOUNG WASHINGTON waniB the obstinate BRADUOCK of the danper 
of his position, and vainlj entreats him to change it* 


















HISTORY — 




OF THE 


UNITED STATES, 

OR 

♦ 

REPUBLIC OF AMERICA: 

DESIGNED FOR SCHOOLS AND PRIVATE LIRRARIES. 


FIFTH EDITION, REVIS^JD AND CORRECTED. 


emma'willard, 

(4 ■' 

PRINCIPAL OF TROY FEMALE SEMINARY. 



NEW-YORK: 

N. & J. WHITE, 108 PEARL-STREET. 
1834. 







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Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1834, by Emma Wil¬ 
lard, in the Clerk’s office of the District Court of the Southern District of 
New-York. 


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THIS WORK 


IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED 


TO 


MTT MOTHER, 


MRS. LYDIA HEART. 


Accept this offering of a daughter’s love, 
Dear, only, widowed parent ; on whose brow 
Time-honoured, have full eighty winters shed 
The crown of glory. 


Mother, few are left. 


Like thee, who felt the fire of freedom’s holy time ^ 
Pervade and purify the patriot breast. ' 

Thou wert within thy country’s shattered bark. 

When, trusting Heaven, she rode the raging seas, 

And braved with dauntless, death-defying front. 

The storm of war. With me retrace the scene. 

Then view her peace, her wealth, her liberty, and fame: 
And like the mariner, who gains the port 
Almost unhoped-for, from the dangerous waves. 

Thou can’st rejoice :—and thankful praise to God, 

The Great Deliverer, which perchance I speak— 

Thou, in thy pious heart, wilt deeply feel. 


EMMA WILLARD 


Troy, May 1st, 1828. 




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PREFACE 




This book owes its existence rather to accident, than design. My 
thoughts being directed to improvements in education, I had arranged 
for my pupils a series of maps of the United States, illustrating their 
geographical situation at certain epochas, and combining such histori¬ 
cal events, as were capable of being delineated on a map. Classes 
were instructed on this plan, and brought forward to public examina¬ 
tions. Literary persons passed high encomiums on their progress, and 
the manner in which they had been instructed; and advised me to lay 
my method of teaching before the public. Indeed, I found that, without 
engraved maps, it would be impossible, on account of the great labour 
required of the teacher, to continue the same method of instructing my 
own pupils. But my maps must be fitted to some particular .work on 
the history of the United States ; and burthened as I was with the care 
of an extensive institution, I deemed it impossible for me to write one. 
It then occurred to me that I might be able, by various inducements, 
to command the time and talents of certain of my former pupils, now 
my intimate friends, and whose names, were I at liberty to mention 
them here, would give to the public favourable prepossessions with re¬ 
gard to any work in which they might have assisted. I procured the 
standard authors on the American history, laid down my plan, and em¬ 
ployed my assistants in its execution ; reserving to myself the entire 
liberty of adding, subtracting, or altering, either in style or matter, 
whenever I should think proper. On their part, it was stipulated, that 
as they were to follow my judgment, rather than their own, I should 
not commit them to any public responsibility. I have, however, in the 
execution of the work, devoted much more of my own time, and written 
a much larger portion than I had intended, or expected, at its com¬ 
mencement. Labouring with my assistants to make a useful work, I 
felt a perplexity, with respect to authorship. I was urged by them with 
many arguments, to assume it, without hesitation. Not Satisfied, how¬ 
ever, I wrote upon the subject to Mr. Everett, of Boston, appealing to 
him as high literary authority. His answer, although it would not have 
censured me had I assumed the authorship, yet advised, as a safer 
course, to state to the public the circumstances of the case. As I have 
followed advice from so highly respectable a source, I hope I may meet 


VI 


PREFACE. 


the indulgence of the public, for what I fear may seem occupying them 
with my private affairs. To them the only questions of importance 
are those which relate to the merits of the work ;—Is it a book from 
which may be obtained distinct and correct views of the country of 
which it treats ? Is it well adapted to the purposes of education % 

The principle derived from the theory of the human mind, and from 
much practice in teaching, that the true mnemonics of history is to as¬ 
sociate the event and its date with the geogrophical representation of 
the place where it occurred, is the foundation of the ai’rangement of a 
former small work,* designed to prepare pupils for the study of ancient 
history, and also of the one here offered to the public. The system 
of mnemonics, or artificial memory, consists in assuming something 
which is an object of sight, separating it into certain divisions, and as¬ 
sociating with each division, in a certain order, such abstract ideas as 
we may wish to recollect. To the common systems of artificial me¬ 
mory there are insuperable objections. They fill the mind with mere 
lumber, if not with low and silly thoughts ; thus degrading its concep¬ 
tions, and clogging its energies. The cultivator of the youthful intel¬ 
lect should be no less careful to keep his garden free from weeds, than 
to water and preserve its healthful and beautiful plants. Yet the effect 
of these systems, so far as they aid in the recollection of facts, is good ; 
and if a plan could be devised, securing their advantages, and yet free 
from their defects, surely it would be found of great use in education. 
The plan of teaching history here proposed, does, it is believed, secure 
these advantages; and so far from being degraded by its defects, the 
divisions here used to assist the memory, themselves form an important 
branch of knowledge, as they constitute the essential part of the science 
of geography. Indeed, were I required to devise a plan for the mere 
purpose of bringing a pupil to the best possible knowledge of the geo¬ 
graphy of the United States, both as to minuteness and permanency of 
association, this plan of studying it, in connection with the history, is 
the very one which I should propose ; for the event fixes the recollec¬ 
tion of the place, no less than the place the event; and so far from one 
of the associations being an evil tolerated for the sake of the other, 
they are both so highly useful, that it is difficult to say which is the 
more important. 

There is not generally sufficient exactness in detailing places, espe¬ 
cially in compends of history, to make it possible for the learner to 
locate their events upon a map. Most writers of our history have been 
more solicitous to mention the names of the actors concerned in its 
events, than the places in which they were transacted. It is very 

» Ancient geography connected with chronology, and preparatory to the study of ancien 
history. 


PREFACE. 


Vll 


natural that it should be so ; for the historiar* knows that the friends or 
descendants of those who have performed important, although subordi- 
nate parts upon the public theatre, will, if they look at a history at all, 
look for these names. But the youth, in the commencement of his 
course of history, is confused by the mention of many names of per¬ 
sons ; whereas the clearness of his conception is greatly assisted by 
particularity as to places. Something occurs in the study of history, 
analogous to what is called coasting in the study of geography. It is 
founded on the principle, that a number of isolated ideas are difficult 
to remember, but if means ca^be found to connect them with some one 
common object, the association makes it comparatively easy to recollect 
them. Thus, the names of a number of rivers, learned without any 
connexion, are much more difficult to remember than when learned 
regularly, as they occur along the one line which forms the coast of 
the common sea into which they discharge. In the same way in his- 
tory, a number of events, presented without connexion, are burden¬ 
some to the memory. But connect them by some common tie, and the 
mind dwells upon them with pleasure, and retains them with ease. 

Accounts of contending armies, which I have sometimes read, have 
brought to my mind the idea of standing upon the shore of the ocean, 
and viewing two sea-monsters rise, attack each other, and then 
sink beneath the surface. I know not the direction in which they 
are moving, nor their further.purpose ; but suddenly they rise in some 
other spot, and after another conflict, sink as before. Thus, if they 
fight many battles in different places, each is an isolated fact to me, 
and I cannot remember the succession. Had these been land ani- 
mals, moving through various objects, their whole route would have 
been one line, however irregular its course, instead of an uncon¬ 
nected number of points ; and as one line, I might have remembered it, 
and along with it, its associated remarkable points. In this work, I 
have endeavoured, as far as was practicable, to preserve this unity of 
line, in the march of armies, the track of navigators, &c. and have 
therefore been particular in mentioning places. When the learner shall 
have made this association of event with place, he will then have that 
in his mind, with which he will take pleasure in making further asso¬ 
ciations of individual exploits. Not, however, that there are no such 
exploits here mentioned; on the contrary, it may appear to some, that 
characters, once introduced, are sometimes dwelt on more minutely, 
than, in such a sketch, is authorized by that historical justice, which 
requires that all should have praise or blame, in the ratio of their deserts. 
But something of the same principle of unity, as has been before dis¬ 
cussed, prevails here. Ten actions, performed by as many different 
men, would be so many isolated facts ; but, if they were all performed 


Vlll 


PREFACE. 


by one man, their relation 4o that one subject, links them together, and 
makes them more easily recollected.* 

From the account already given of the origin of this work, it will be 
seen, that when I commenced it, I thought merely of making a work 
profitable for my pupils to study as a school book. Of attempting to 
invest myself, before the public, with the august character of historian, 
I thought not, until I had gone too far to recede. In fact, until about 
the time of the commencement of the last war, the history of America 
seems mostly settled; and the compiler of so small a work has only to 
choose good historians, select, and arrdfftge. Since that period, my 
guides seem almost to have deserted me, and I to be left, in some mea¬ 
sure, to find my way alone. Here I have felt how awfully responsible 
is the task of making the historical record of the actions of men. 
The culprit of other tribunals appeals to history; and it is her pro¬ 
vince to sit in judgment equally on the accuser and accused, the con- 
demner and the condemned. Marching along the broad highway of 
truth, she must not deviate from her course of moral straightness, to 
visit any individual, in kindness, or in anger. Such is the spirit in 
which I have wished to write. I have drawn my facts from the best 
sources in my power. I have not copied from official reports which I 
knew to be incorrect; and I have adopted accounts orally communi¬ 
cated, where I had reason for confidence in the knowledge and vera¬ 
city of the speakers. Probably, however, there are errors in my work, 
in point of fact; and, whenever, and however, I shall learn what they 
are, I shall endeavour to correct them. 

Note to Instructors. —Method of Teaching, Sfc, To lay down a 
method of teaching any particular work, which will be equally suitable 
for the pupils of every school, is impossible ; because the previous me¬ 
thods pursued in instructing, and the state of advancement of the pupil, 
are to be taken into consideration. Yet the general system of instruc¬ 
tion designed by an author, can be made known ; and instructors can 
then vary, as they shall see that the circumstances of their particular 
schools shall make it expedient. 


* Is not the rhetorical elegance of a historical work, as well as its utility as a school 
^ book, dependent on these principles? Is it not an exercise ever painful to the mind, at any 
stage of life or information, to have a mass of facts thrown together with that kind of gene¬ 
ralization, that scarcely admits of any one object being distinctly contemplated, and thus 
raising a picture before the “ mind’s eye ?” Is it not the reason why novels are so much 
more interesting to tiie generality of readers than history, because in novels, the actions 
stated are those of a few individuals, of whose geographical course we are never allowed 
to lose sight; which is therefore to us one continued, unbroken chain ? And might not 
some approximation be made towards giving history the same interest by selecting at first 
a number of principal characters, and keeping them more constantly in view ? These 
primary histories would, of course, be followed by others, which, as the historical picture 
was enlarged, could introduce more characters, and still keep them distinct. 


PREFACE. 


IX 


This work is designed for pupils who are already, in a measure, ac¬ 
quainted with geography, particularly with the use of maps. My own 
pupils do not commence it, until they are able to draw, merely from 
recollection, maps of the principal countries of the world, particularly 
of the United States. The class are each furnished with a black board, 
about two feet in length, and nearly the same in breadth. The lesson 
being given out, each scholar is required, in addition to studying it in 
the book, to draw with chalk, as large as her board will admit, a sketch 
of that part of the country which is the seat of the portion of history 
which the lesson contains ; marking slightly the track of navigators and 
march of armies. Each pupil brings her black board to her class room, 
and her recitation, in part, consists of the explanation, which, agreeably 
to the accounts derived from the book,she gives of her sketched map. 

The marginal notes, it is believed, will afford great assistance to the 
instructor, in giving questions from the book. 

Experience shows that it is useless to require from pupils to commit 
many dates to memory ; they ought, in respect to the chronology, to 
be perfectly familiar with the dates of the maps; and in speaking of 
them, be accustomed to say, the map of 1578, or 1620, &c. By learn¬ 
ing the events as connected with these maps, and in the order of time, 
as they usually stand in the book, the pupil will, of course, have a good 
general idea of the chronolgy. 

It is not to be inferred from the remarks made on the importance of 
geographical associations, that those parts of the work which are of a 
nature not to admit of such associations, are to be neglected. Moral 
improvement is the true end of intellectual. Hence, the propriety of 
sometimes turning aside in the relations of history, to make such moral 
reflections as they may suggest; and if it is proper for the historian to 
make them, it is proper for the student to notice them. 

The Declaration of Independence, Washington’s Farewell Ad¬ 
dress, and the Constitution of the United States, should be studied by 
the youth of our country, as their political scriptures. They are for 
this purpose introduced into the Appendix. The introduction, which 
treats of the advantages of the study, will be attended to by young per¬ 
sons to better advantage, after the body of the work has been once 
studied through on the plan proposed. 

The course pointed out must, it is apparent, make the pupil under¬ 
stand the study ; but this may be, and the labour of the teacher not yet 
accomplished. The pupil must also be made to remember. What he 
has studied may be as yet only slightly in his mind. In going over the 
whole work, he has given his attention to so great a mass of facts, that 
without further exertions, his acquisitions would soon fade from his 
memory, and he would possess no clue by which he could recal them; 
he would have no arrangement in his mind, by which he could in future 

B 


X 


PREFACE. 


bring forward his knowledge for liis own use, or that of others. After 
studying the work in the manner proposed, a different arrangement 
should next be presented to the pupil, and inducements placed before 
him, which will give him a disposition to such patient and vigorous ex¬ 
ertion, as shall be necessary for his repeatedly studying the leading 
points of the subject, till he fias them perfectly in his memory. The 
preparation for examination in the presence of a respectable audience, 
gives the stimulus necessary both to teacher and pupil, in performing 
this, the more laborious part of a well conducted course of study :— 
and in its operation, it accomplishes the two things which comprehend 
ail that is necessary to a teacher’s usefulness and success; one of 
which is to do well; and the other, to make the public know that he 
does well. 

The business of the instructor, in reference to these objects, is to 
confine the attention of his class to such a number of the important 
points of the study, as will be within their power to attain in the time 
allowed them ; so that they may proceed with the hope of avoiding 
mistakes, and acquiring lionour at their examination. 

The chronological table, answering also the purpose of an index, has 
been arranged with the object of presenting a suitable course of study 
for review. Let the pupil first learn the plan of the work, which of 
course comprehends the dates of the epochas ; next, let him commit to 
memory the events of the chronological table ; not, however, requiring 
him to give the exact date of the mass of events, but only here and 
there one ; permitting the pupil to choose such dates only as may hap¬ 
pen to strike him, and make the most forcible impression upon his 
memory. It is desirable that each should be led to make the associa¬ 
tions with the events of his own, or his family history, noticed in the 
second page of the introduction. The events being learned, stand in 
the minds of the pupils as heads of discourse, or may easily be put by 
the instructor into the form of questions, accordingly as he shall pre¬ 
fer to conduct the examination of his pupils, by hearing them recite the 
circumstances of the events, (which of course are to he learned from 
the body of the work,) in the way of analysis, or in that of question 
and answer. The localities of the history should, in the examination, 
as in ordinary recitations, be pointed out upon the maps drawn by the 
pupils on their black boards. 


Troy, March 10, 1828. 


ADVERTISEMENT. 


In order to pursue the resolution, expressed at the close of the pre¬ 
face to the first edition, that I would correct all the errors in my work, 
which I could, by any means, discover, I have borne in mind Pope’s 
direction; 


Trust not yourself, but your defects to know, 

Make use of every friend and every foe ; 

and by the aid of kind friends, who have, at my request, looked over 
my work with a critical eye; of a few ill natured foes, who have ex¬ 
amined it to carp and cavil ; of judicious public remarks, and by means 
of a most rigid examination of all the facts related, and a careful con 
sultation of the best authorities, the work, as I do hope, is now free from 
the errors of the first edition, of which there were not an unusual number, 
and consequently that the facts, offered to the public, may be relied on. 
Still all human scrutiny is imperfect, and human testimony, however 
unquestionable its shape, may be false ; and I should hold myself a 
debtor to any person who would point out to me any uncorrected error, 
that it may be expunged from the work in future editions. 

Inasmuch as, by the rapid sale of the first edition, I was so soon 
called on by the publishers to revise and prepare the work for a second, 
which was to be stereotyped ; it was to me a particularly fortunate cir¬ 
cumstance, that two such able writers as Dr. Holmes and Mr. Pitkin, 
each of whom had great opportunities, as well as talents for investiga¬ 
tion, should have just come before the public; Dr. Holmes, with his 
second edition of the Annals of America, and Mr. Pitkin, with his 
Civil and Political History of the United States. These publications, 
(differing from each other amd from mine in their object,) have been 
consulted with the strictest attention. Dr. Holmes’ work I consider, 
more than any other extant, the storehouse of fact for American his¬ 
tory ; and Mr. Pitkin’s, as more enlarged in its views, more just and 
comprehensive concerning the causes of the great events of our history. 

In consequence of some different views obtained from Mr. Pitkin’s 
work of the causes of'the revolution, I have re-written the history of 
the period preceding it: and, in general, the civil and political history ' 
of the country has been extended, and the military abridged. The ar¬ 
rangement adopted in the first edition has not been altered, because it 


ADVERTISEMENT. 


xii 

was not perceived that any improvement could be made,* and altera¬ 
tions have been studiously avoided, unless decidedly for the advantage 
of the work. Several passages of the history, originally written by 
others, have been written over by myself, for the sake of uniformity 
in style. The- Indian history has been improved, and a sketch of the 
principal tribes, now inhabiting the old United States, and the newly 
acquired territories in the west, has been inserted before that period of 
the history, embracing the last war, in which several of these Indian 
nations took a part. 

As to the utility of this work, as a text book for instruction, I have re 
ceived several flattering testimonials, and in my own school it has more 
than answered the expectations excited. My sister, Mrs. Lincoln, 
whose opinion on works of education, the public will pardon me if I say, 
I highly respect, has taught classes from this book, and has borne 
this testimony to its merits, (from which the’public will, of course, sub¬ 
tract something for a sister’s partiality,) that “ it is the easiest book to 
teach from, which she has 5 '^et used.” 

An abridgement of the work having been called for, one is now in 
progress, and nearly completed, but it is impossible that it should be 
made as easy for the pupil to remember, as the work at large, because 
it cannot be so interesting, as where accounts are more circumstantial; 
but it will be cheaper, and all cannot afford to pay for the larger book. 

Finally, the demand for this work, its introduction into numbers of 
our first schools, and the experiment made upon it in my own, has given 
me the flattering hope, that the sacrifice, for nearly three years, of my 
hours of recreation, and many of my hours of rest, will not have been 
in vain, but that my efforts will, in some degree, have contributed to 
disseminate, especially among her youth, an acquaintance with that 
dear country, which to know well, is to love and desire to serve. 

* When, last summer, I presented Dr. Hohnes with a copy of my work, he immediately 
remarked the singular coincidence of my division of periods, with those which he had 
adopted for his second edition, then in press. As this occurred without any concert, I felt 
very strongly confirmed by the opinion of such a writer as Dr. Holmes, that I had seized the 
leading points of the history by which to mark the periods. 


Troy, July 20, 1829 


INTRODUCTION. 


1 

That the advantages of history are, at the present day, duly appre¬ 
ciated m our country, appears from its general introduction as a study 
into our schools. Important reasons may be given to show that every 
student or reader of history should commence with that of his own coun¬ 
try ; and further, that the history of the United States or Republic of 
America* is a better study for youth, as regards the most essential ob¬ 
jects of the study of history, than that of any other nation. 

* We use the term Republic of America, in the same manner as we would that of the 
Republic of Colombia. We conceive that America is as much a distinctive appellation of 
the one country, as Colombia is of the other. Yet the fact is not universally, perhaps not 
generally acknowledged, except tacitly. Dr. Morse, in the later editions of his geography 
remarks, that, in common language, this country is called America. A few years ago, how¬ 
ever, it was a favourite subject of discussion what name should be given it, assuming as a 
fact that it did not possess any; the appellation, “ United States,” being merely a common 
noun with its adjective, and not allowing a corresponding term to express the inhabitants of 
the country. In the meantime, we continue to call ourselves Americans—foreign nations 
called us Americans, ^nd our country America; and the question seems now forgotten, 
while the name remains. 

In fact, the style assumed, at the declaration of independence, is not the United States 
merely, but the “ United States of Americaand it may be fairly presumed that the term 
America is. used in the same manner as in the expression, “ the United States of Holland,” or 
“ the United States of Mexico,” and that we may, except in formal state papers, abbreviate, 
and use only the last word. There are, it is true, inconveniences in bearing particularly the 
same name, winch is given to the whole continent generally; .but nothing by any means new 
or absurd. The city of New-York, in the state of New-York, is not absurd, nor does any 
material inconvenience result from this use of words, as it is well understood ; but if, while 
this was the real usage, it was not the avowed and acknowledged usage, there might be diffi¬ 
culties, and authors would fall into inconsistencies. To avoid such in the use of the term 
America, we have avowed what we consider its established, and therefore its proper use. 

We are called Americans in all histories, in contradistinction from the Canadians, Mexi¬ 
cans, ^c. This name may be considered, as in fact assumed, at least as early as the com¬ 
mencement of our disputes with Great Britain. In the British parliament and in our own 
congress, our country, whether abused or defended, was called America; and that in a way 
to preclude the possibility of the term being used in its extensive sense as applying to the 
continent. “ Whereas,’^ say the first congress, in the preamble to the bill of rights, “ the 
British parliament claims the right to bind the people of America in all cases,” &.c. The 
saane style is used in all the other public documents of the time. The historian styles our 
armies the American troops, and our ministers the American negotiators. The poet invokes 
the genius of our country under the name of America. Our officers have led our troops to 
battle, under the impulse of addresses made to Americans ; nor did the soldiers suspect these 
addresses to be made to their Canadian or Indian foes, as well as to themselves. Our orators 
call on Americans to defend the rights, bought with the blood of their fathers, nor do their 


XIV 


INTRODUCTION. 


When the course of events is studied, for the purpose of gaining gene¬ 
ral information, the natural order of the thoughts must be regarded, if 
we expect that memory will treasure up the objects of attention. Each 
individual is to himself the centre of his own world ; and the more inti¬ 
mately he connects his knowledge with himself, the better will it be re¬ 
membered, and the more effectually can it be rendered in after life sub¬ 
servient to his purposes. Hence in geography he should begin with 
his own place, extending from thence to his country, and to the world. 
In history, the natural order, by which best to assist the memory, would 
be, to let the child begin with some of the leading events in his own 
history, and that of his family; connecting them in chronology with 
some capital event in that of his country. For example, teach the 
young learner in what year of the world he was born, and what event 
of his country happened at or near the time. Pursuing this plan, 
perhaps you will say to him, your father was born in such a year, so 
much before or after the date of the American independence ; such 
was the date of your mother’s birth, and such the connecting event— 
such of the marriage of your parents, and of the birth or death of your 
brothers and sisters. Thus the record of the family Bible, with a few 
important national events, which the mother might easily connect and 
teach to her little children, should be the first foundation of their know¬ 
ledge of history and chronology; and this well laid would be as endur¬ 
ing as the mind. Something of this kind is incidentally, if not system¬ 
atically done in every family. At the period of receiving school edu¬ 
cation, the pupil having learned the epochas of the history of his family, 
wants those of his country ; and these will of necessity, connect her 
history with that of cotemporary nations. 

Another reason why the student should learn the history of his own 
country earlier and more minutely than that of any other is, that he may 
be presumed to know its geography better, and it is of more^importance 
that he should accurately understand it. We shall read to the best ad¬ 
vantage, the history of that country of which we have the best geogra¬ 
phical knowledge. But the study of the history of the United States, 
pursued as is laid down in the system here presented to the public, 
must give to the student a minute knowledge of its geography in the 
various stages of its progression. 

The attention of our youth to the interesting events of American his- 

'hearers once imagine that they mean to include the inhabitants of European colonies, or of 
monarchical Brazil. No, the name of America comes to our hearts with a nearer and dearer 
import. America is to us the only name which can conjure up the spell of patriotism; and 
by this token we know that it is, and is to be the name of our country. And it is a noble 
name—dignified in prose—harmonious in poetry, and marching as we are in the van of 
the nations who are forming within the precincts of the new world, why should not our coun- 
Jtry have the distinguishing honour to bear the same name with the continent ? 


INTRdDUCTION. 


XV 


tory, in connexion with the geography of the country, will probably, 
in the result, contribute much to the improvement of our national litera¬ 
ture, and consequently to the growth of wholesome national feeling. 
The imagination of man is to him the darling attribute of his nature. 
He icill expatiate in the fields of poetry and romance, and draw from 
them the “ beau ideal” of his heart. Unfortunately from a deficiency of 
native productions of this class, the American too often locates this 
imaged excellence within the old world, where the fair scenes of fancy 
are drawn. But let the present generation of our youth learn to con¬ 
nect the mental sublime of the story of our fathers with the natural 
grandeur of our scenery, and some among them will, in future life, be 
warmed to supply the deficiencies of our literature, by filling up the 
chasms of truth, with the glowing tracery of imagination. 

These are reasons why our youth should be directed first to the study 
of our own history, keeping in view its connexion with our geography ; 
but there are other reasons, why the study of American history is better 
not only for our own students, but for those of other countries, than that 
of any other nation, with which we are acquainted. '• History, it is said, 
is the school of politics. It is not, however, the mere knowledge of 
events, in which the student sees little connexion, which lays a founda¬ 
tion for his political knowledge. It is only when he is led to perceive 
how one state of things, operating on human passions, leads to an- 
other, that he is prepared when he comes into life, to look over the 
whole moving scene of the world—predict the changes which are to 
succeed—and should his be the hand of power, to put it forth to acce¬ 
lerate or stop the springs of change, as he finds their tendency to be 
good or evil. There is no species of events like those related of Ame¬ 
rica for producing this effect; and the young politician of other coun¬ 
tries might begin with this, as the most easily comprehensible sub- 
ject in the whole field of history. Here effects may be traced to. their 
causes. We behold in the first place a wilderness, inhabited by tidbes 
of savage and independent men. Distant nations, on the mere plea, 
that they had found this wilderness, sent out their subjects to take it into 
their possession. At first unalarmed, and little valuing small portions 
of land, which had not, by the natives, become an object of individual 
property, they did not resist and destroy, as they might have done, the 
incipient nation in its germ. But when the colonies spread and began 
to be powerful, the natives took the alarm, and, as might be expected, 
bloody wars ensued, whose object was extermination. 

Again, from understanding the extent of the patents granted, the 
young student might, in the course of the history, be led to predict the 
wars which occurred on account of the first settlers of the country 
being under different European powers. The causes of these collisions 
are, upon our plan, addressed to the eye. The student sees upon his 


XVI 


INTRODUCTION. 


map the English stretching along the sea coast, and settling under 
grants, which run indefinitely west; and, at the same time, the French, 
extending along the St. Lawrence, having received, from their govern- 
ment, the right of jurisdiction over lands running indefinitely south; 
thus, large portions of country were claimed by both nations. We can 
see, that while the settlers should keep along the eastern and northern 
boundaries, every thing might go on peaceably ; but let them increase, 
and extend themselves into the interior, and the same land being 
claimed by both powers, the contest, which follows, is the natural con¬ 
sequence. So it may also be seen that the same ground being, in 
many instances, granted, by the same government, to different patentees, 
jars and contentions would naturally arise. 

The skilful politicians of the times preceding our struggle for free¬ 
dom, did, from the state of affairs, and the temper of the times, foresee 
the war of the revolution before it occurred. So might the learner of 
our history, if he first obtained a clear understanding of the circum¬ 
stances and feelings of the English and Americans, see that war was 
the event which i)iust necessarily follow; and that a war with the 
mother country would produce a union of the colonies ; since men 
ever unite, when pressed by common interest and common danger. 

As it respects the most important advantage in the study of history, 
which is improvement in individual and national virtue, we come boldly 
forward to advocate a preference for the history of the American Re¬ 
public. Here are no tales of hereditary power and splendour to inflame 
the imaginations of youth with desires for adventitious distinction. 
Here are no examples of profligate females, where the trappings of 
royalty or nobility give to vice an elegant costume ; or, as with the 
celebrated Scot, where beauty and misfortune make sin commiserated, 
till it is half loved. Here are no demoralizing examples of bold and 
criminal ambition, which has “ waded through blood to empire.” The 
only desire of greatness which our children can draw from the history 
of their ancestors, is to be greatly good. 

It is not in the formal lesson of virtue, that her principles are most 
deeply imbibed. It is in moments when her approach is not suspected, 
that she is fixing her healing empire in the heart of youth. When his 
indignation rises against the oppressor—when his heart glows with the 
admiration of suffering virtue—it is then that he resolves never to be 
an oppressor himself; and he half wishes to suffer, that he too may be 
virtuous. No country, ancient or modern, affords examples more fitted 
to raise these ennobling emotions than of America, at the period of her 
revolution. 

And may not these generous feelings of virtue arise, respecting na¬ 
tions as well as individuals ; and may not the resolution which the youth 
makes, with regard to himself individually, be made with regard to his 


INTRODUCTION. 


xvii 


country, as far as his future influence may extend ? Would the teacher 
excite these feelings in his pupil, let him put into his hands the history 
of the struggle of America for her independence. Though doubtless 
there existed great personal turpitude in individuals in America, and 
great personal virtue in those of England, yet, as nations, how great is 
the disparity in the characters exhibited. England, seeking to make 
her filial child her slave, refuses to listen to her duteous pleadings, and 
applies the scourge. • She deigns not to give even the privileges of ci¬ 
vilized warfare, but sends forth the brand which lights the midnight fire 
over the heads of the sleeping family, and the tomahawk which cleaves 
the head of» the infant in the presence of the mother. England also 
descends to base arts. She bribes, she flatters, she sows dissensions, 
she purchases treason, and she counterfeits money. In the conduct of 
France too, though gratitude rises in our hearts for her actual services, 
yet history compelled, though sometimes sorrowfully, to follow truth, 
must pronounce that in her conduct as a nation, there is nothing vir¬ 
tuous or generous. Unlike her La Fayette, it was in success, not in 
misfortune, that she declared for America; and if at length she com¬ 
batted with her, it was not that she loved her, or honoured her cause ; 
it was that she feared and hated her enemy. If America had not taken 
care of herself, bitter to her would have been the care which France 
would have taken of her. Her embrace of friendship would have been 
found the pressure of death. How interesting jn her youthful simpli¬ 
city, in her maiden purity, does America appear, contrasted with these 
old and wily nations. Who shall say, in reading the history of these trans¬ 
actions, that there is no such thing as national vice, or national virtue ? 

Will not acquaintance then with this tale, warm the young' heart of 
the future statesman of America, to the detestation of national as of in¬ 
dividual wickedness: and to the love of national as of personal vir¬ 
tue ? He will say with exultation, my country was the most virtuous 
among the nations ; this is her pride—not’the extent of her dominion, 
nor the wealth of her revenue ; this is the source of that greatness 
which it becomes her sons to preserve ! and he will then resolve, that 
when manhood shall have placed him among her guardians, he will 
watch the purity of her character with jealous tenderness, and sooner 
part with existence than be made the instrument of her degradation! 

C, 


ADVE»TISEM[E]¥T TO THE FIFTH EMTIOIV. 

A series of maps have been prepared for this history, particularly useful to 
learners, and adopted to give clearness and impression to the general reader ; 
but as the work itself is made wholly independent of them, it may be read 
without maps, or with some other American Atlas, to as good advantage as 
any other historical production whatever. 

This history is offered to the reader, as a work of established reputation. 
Were the Publishers disposed to fill some pages with recommendations, they 
are at hand, in American and foreign periodicals, and in private letters; and 
they may be infered from the distinguished character of many of the teachers 
by whom it is made a class book. Troy, 1834. 


Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French discoveries* 


y 


TABLE, 

DESIGNED TO SERVE THE SEVERAL PURPOSES OF 

A CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE, 

[By a reference to the figures on the left of the page, the year in which events occurred, is 
known :—by the device on the right, during what king’s reign, or 
what president’s administration.] 

AN INDEX, 

[The figures on the right express in what page of the work the event is more fully treated.] 

A GUIDE TO THE TEACHER, 

IN GIVING QUESTIONS OR SUBJECTS OF ANALYSIS TO CLASSES WHICH 
ARE REVIEWING THE HISTORY, . . 

[See Note to Instructors, which follows the Preface.] 

' A. D. Page. 

1492. Christopher Columbus, under the patronage of 

Isabella of Spain, discovers America, - 24 

1493. He makes a second voyage to the new world, 

1497. Henry VII. of England sends out the Cabots, 

who first discover the continent, - . - 25 

1498. Columbus, in his third voyage, discovers the 

continent, 24 

1499. The Portuguese send out Ojeda, accompanied 

* by Americas Vespucius, who gives his name 

to the new world, - - ... 25 

1502. Columbus makes his fourth and last voyage,’ - 24 

1506. He dies at Valladolid, in Spain, . - - ih. 


1512. John Ponce de Leon discovers Florida, - - 26 

1524. The French send John Verrazano, who explores 

the coast,.‘‘ 

1534. James Cartier discovers the Gulf of St. Law¬ 

rence, and takes possession of the country 
for the king of France, - - . - “ 

1535. He makes a second voyage, in which he as¬ 

cends the St. Lawrence, and names the 
country New France, . . . . “ 

1540. Roberval sends Cartier to Canada;—he builds 

fort Charlebourg, - - . - - - 29 

1541. De Soto, a Spaniard, in an overland expedition, 

discovers the Mississippi, - - - - “ 

Roberval recruits the settlement at Canada; but 
it is abandoned the following year - . “ 


HENRY VII. King of England. i HENRY VIII. 






Ineffectual attempts to settle the country. Grants^ settlements^ govern- 


XX 


CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE AND INDEX. 


MARY. 


A. D. ' ^ Page. 

" 1562. A colony of French Protestants, under Ri- jTOWARD VI 
bault, settle in Florida, ... _ 

1564. A second settlement commenced under Laudon. 

nier, ....... 

1565. The Spaniards destroy the French colony, and 

possess the country, .... 

'-1568. The Spaniards are destroyed by the French, 


28 


29 


FIRST EPOCHA. 

1578. 

First patent granted by an English sovereign, to lands in the ter¬ 
ritory of the United States, given by Queen Elizabeth to Sir 
Humphrey Gilbert. . 


1583. Sir H. Gilbert takes possession of Newfound¬ 

land, ....... 

1584. Sir W. Raleigh obtains a patent, and sends two 

vessels to the American coast, which receives 
the name of Virginia, 

1585. Raleigh sends Sir Richard Grenville, who leaves 

a colony on the island of Roanoke, f - 

1586. They are carried to England, ... 
1587.. Raleigh sends a colony under Captain White, 

I which is not afterwards found, * - 
1589. . Raleigh sells his patent to the London company, 

1602. Bartholomew Gosnold sails in a direct course for 

America, and discovers Cape Cod, 

1603. HenrytIV. of France grants Acadia to De Monts, 

1604. He visits the country, discovers and explores the 

Bay of Fundy, and commences a settlement 
at-Port Royal, ..... 

1606. King James divides Virginia between the Lon¬ 

don and Plymouth companies, 

1607. The Plymouth company make an ineffectual 

attempt to plant a colony at the Kennebec, . 
The London company send a colony, who dis¬ 
cover Chesapeake Bay, and establish the 

FIRST EFFECTUAL SETTLEMENT AT JaMES- 
TOWN, 

Captain John Smith relieves the distress of the 
colony. He is taken prisoner by the Indians, 
but his life is saved by Pocahontas, 

1608. Quebec is founded by Champlain, 

1609. Hudson River and Lake vChamplain are disco 

vered. - - - - 

A new charter is granted to the London com 
pany which effects a change in the govern 


30 


31 


32 


34 

35 

35 


ELIZABETH. ELIZABETH. | JAMES I. 













merits organized, <SfC Grants, 


CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE AND INDEX. xxi 

A. D. Page 

ment of Virginia. Lord De la War is appoint¬ 
ed governor for life and the colony prospers, - 35 

1611. George Percy and Sir Thomas Dale are governors 

of Virginia..36 

1613. Pochahontas marries an Englishman, which leads 

to an alliance with the natives, - . . 37 

Private property in land established in Virginia, - “ 

The Dutch commence settlements on Hudson 
river, - - - . - . . - 38 


The Virginians dispossess the French of their 
possession in Acadia, 

The English take possession of Manhattan, - “ 

1614. The navigation of the Hudson river granted to 
the Dutch West India company. The settlers 
at Manhattan resume their allegiance to Hol¬ 
land, - - - - - - - - “ 

Capt. Smith explores the coast from Penobscot to 
Cape Cod, which is named New England, - 

1619. The first general assembly is called in Virginia, - 39 

1620. Young women sent to Virginia as wives for the 

planters and sold for tobacco; convicts are sent 
to the colony; negroes introduced, and slavery 
1. commenced,.“ 



SECOND EPOCHA. 

1620 . 

Landing of the Pilgrims at PlymouUi, after having framed 
m board the May Flower the first written political 
compact of America. 40 

1620. James I. grants a charter to the grand council of 

Plymouth, for governing New England, - - 43 

1621. The colonists at New Plymouth, purchase of the 

grand council of Plymouth, a right to the soil, 

James I. grants Nova Scotia to William Alex- 

ander,.44 

A district callfed Mariana granted to John Mason, “ 

Holland grants New Netherlands to the Dutch 


West India company, 

Government of Virginia established, . - - “ 

1622. The council of Plymouth grant to Gorges and Ma¬ 

son, a district called Laconia, . - - “ 

Indian conspiracy, which nearly proves fatal to the 

colony of Virginia, ----- 45 

1623. Gorges and Mason send a colony to the river Pis- 

cataqua, -.44 


JAMES L 







Settlementsj Governments organized, 6f‘c, 


XXil CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE AND INDEX. 


A.D. 

The Dutch erect fort Nassau on the Delaware, - 
1624. London company dissolved and its rights return to 
the crown. A royal government established in 
Virginia, 

■ 1627. Swedes and Fins settle on the Delaware, - 
1628 Patent of Massachusetts obtained, and the first 
permanent settlement of that colony commenced 
at Salem, - - - 

1629. The Massachusetts company receive a royal char¬ 

ter ; its powers of government are transferred 
to New England, - - - - 

New Hampshire granted to John Mason, - 
The Dutch purchase lands near Cape Henlopen, 

1630. Emigrants arrive in Massachusetts who settle at 

Boston and its vicinity, . . - - 

Carolina granted to Sir Robert Heath, 

First permanent settlement in Maine, 

1631. First general court held in Massachusetts, - 
Clayborne plants a colony in the Chesapeake, 
Patent of Connecticut granted to Lord Say and 

Seal, Lord Brook, and others, . . . 

1632. Maryland granted to Lord Baltimore, 

1633. First house erected in Connecticut, - . - 

1634. Settlement of Maryland commenced, - - 

Government of Massachusetts changed from a 

simple to a representative democracy. 
Commissioners appointed in England for govern¬ 
ing the colonies, - ... 

1635. Great accessions made to the New England colo¬ 

nies by emigrants from England, - 
Grand Council of Plymouth surrender their char¬ 
ter to the crown, - - - . _ . 

Fort Saybrook erected, - . . . 

Windsor and Wethersfield settled, 

1636. Hartford settled, - ^. 

Roger Williams commences the settlement of the 

state of Rhode Island, . . . . 

1637. Harvard College established at Cambridge, 
Theological disturbances excited by Ann Hutch¬ 
inson, 

War with the Pequods, . . . . . 

1638. New Haven settled by Eaton, Davenport, and 

others, 

Mr. Coddington commences the settlement of the 
island of Rhode Island, - - . - 

Exeter in New Hampshire founded, . 

1639. The Virginians are again allowed to call a house 

of representatives, - - . . . 

Sir Ferdinando Gorges obtains a royal charter of 
the province of Maine, .... 
Hartford, Windsor, and Wethersfield, form a con¬ 
stitution for the colony of Connecticut, - 


Page. 

44 


45 


45 


46 


(( 

47 

46 

47 

(( 

li 


50 

48 

« 

u 


a 


49 

(C 


it 

50 

(( 

(( 

51 

it 

(C 

52 

53 

54 

(( 

55 

(C 

(( 


JAMES 1. , CHARLES II. 









Grants, Settlements, Governments organized, <Sfc. 


CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE AND INDEX. 

A. D. 

" 1639. First house of representatives in the Plymouth 

colony called, . 

House of assembly established in Maryland, 
First printing office in America established at 
Cambridge, 

1641. New Hampshire unites with Massachusetts, 

1642. Clayborne occasions an Indian war in Marylemd, 


XXlll 


Page. 

55 


56 


58 


59 


THIRD EPOCHA. 

1643 . 

Commencement of the confederacy, in ike union of Massachu¬ 
setts and Plymouth, with New Haven and Connecticut, 

1644. Roger Williams obtains a charter for the Rhode 

Island and Providence plantations, 

Connecticut purchases the patent of the Ply¬ 
mouth company, . . - , . 

1645. Clayborne again makes disturbances in Mary¬ 

land, . . - - - ^ 

1646. Battle between the Dutch and Indians at Horse- 

neck, - - - - - - - 

1649. A part of Virginia is granted to Lord Culpepper 

and others, - - - - ■* 

1650. First settlement in Carolina made around Albe¬ 

marle Sound, - - - 

Dutch relinquish their claims to jurisdiction in 
Connecticut, - 

1651. Swedish governor takes the Dutch fort on the 

Delaware, - - * - 

Navigation act passed by the house of commons. 

Civil war in Maryland, which ends in the sub¬ 
mission of the proprietary government to par¬ 
liament, - - - 

Virginia submits to parliament. New Engird 
is favoured by parliament, - - - 

1653. Dispute between the United Colonies and the 
Dutch at New-York, - - - 

1655. Dutch conquer the Swedes on the Delaware, - 

1656. Fendal’s insurrection in Maryland, 

Quakers persecuted in Massachusetts, 

1660. Charles II. restored to the throne of England, 
Whalley and Goffe arrive at Boston, 

1661. Second settlement made in Carolina on Cape 

Fear river, 

1662. Maryland restored to its proprietor. 


59 


71 


60 


61 


62 


63 

62 


CHARLES I. Commonwealth under Cromwell. CHARLES II. 










Grants, Settlements, Governments organized, <S^c. 


xxiv 

r 


CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE AND INDEX. 


A. D. . Page. 

Charles II. grants a charter to Connecticut, ' . 

which includes New Haven, . . - 63 

Mint established at Boston, - - - - “ 

1663. Charles II. grants a charter to Rhode Island, - “ 

Carolina granted to Lord Clarendon, - - 

1664. Patent granted to the Duke of York. New Ne¬ 

therlands submits to his authority, - - 64 

Duke of York grants New Jersey to Berkley 

and Carteret, - - . * . - - 65 

Commissioners appointed to regulate the New 

England colonies, - - - . - , 64 

1669. Third settlement made in Carolina, - - 65 

1671. Charleston is founded; unites with the colony 

around Cape Fear. Carolina is called North 
and South Carolina. An attempt is made to 
introduce Locke’s constitution, . . - “ 

1672. Disputes between the settlers and proprietors of 

New Jersey, . - - . - - 66 

1673. War between England and Holland^ The 

Dutch take New-York, - - - - -66 

1674. Peace is concluded, and New-Y’ork restored to 

the English. Andross appointed governor by 
the Duke of York, . . - - “ 

1675. Andross attempts to extend his jurisdiction over 

Connecticut, 66 

I King Philip’s War, 67 

1676. New Jersey divided into East and West Jersey, 71 

Rebellion in Virginia excited by Nathaniel Bacon, “ 

1677. Virginia obtains a charter, . - - - “ 

Massachusetts purchases Maine, - - - 

1678. Andross usurps the government of the Jerseys, 73 

1679. New Hampshire becomes a separate royal go¬ 

vernment, 

Randolph sent as inspector of customs in New- 
England,.76 

1680. New Jersey restored to its proprietors, - - “ 

New Charleston founded. War with the Westoes, 73 

1681. First general assembly in New Jersey, - “ 

Penn receives from Charles H. a grant of 

Pennsylvania, . . . . , 74 

1682. Penn receives from the Duke of York a grant of 

the present state of Delaware, - - “ 

East Jersey is transferred to Penn, - - “ 

Penn, with 100 settlers, arrives in America, and 
founds Philadelphia, - - . - “ 

1683. Governor Dongan calls the first general assem¬ 

bly in New-York,.75 

1678-1684. La Salle, under the patronage of the king 
of France, discovers the country along the 
Mississippi and the lakes, which is called 
Louisiana, ...... 75 


CHARLES II. 






Grants, Settlements, Governments organized, <SfC. King William’s war. 


CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE AND INDEX. 


XXV 


A. D. 

^ 1684. A treaty of peace is concluded with the Five 
Nations, ...... 

Unsuccessful expedition of the governor of Ca¬ 
nada against the Five Nations, - . - 

Massachusetts is deprived of her charter, 

1686. James II. appoints Sir Edmund Andross gover¬ 

nor general of New England, 

1687. Andross attempts to take the charter of Connec¬ 

ticut ; the government is surrendered to him, 

1688. New-York and New Jersey submit to his juris¬ 

diction. General suppression of charter go¬ 
vernments. 


Page. 

76 

II 

77 
(( 

it 

78 


1689. Andross is imprisoned, and the government of 

Massachusetts in the hands of a committee 

of safety,.78 

The government of New-York seized by Jacob 

Leisler,.“ 

Connecticut and Rhode Island resume their char¬ 
ters, -.79 

Montreal destroyed by the Five Nations, - 76 

^1689. Dover (N. H.) surprised by the Indians, - 80 

^ War between England and France, - - “ 

1690. Governor of Canada sends three parties against 

the English settlements, which destroy Sche¬ 
nectady, (N. Y.) Casco, (Maine,) and Sal¬ 
mon Falls, (N. H.) ----- 81 

Sir Wm. Phipps captures Port Royal, (Nova Sco¬ 
tia,) and takes possession of the coast from 
thence to the New England settlements. Un¬ 
successful expedition against Canada, - “ 

French Protestants settle in Carolina and Virginia, “ 
Sothel usurps the government of South Carolina, 82 

1691. French defeated at La Prairie by Gen. Schuyler, “ 
Samuel Allen purchases Mason’s title to New 

Hampshire, -.80 

Stoughter governor of New-York. Leisler is 

condemned and executed, - - - 82 

D 


JAMES 11. WILLIAM AND MARY. 








Queen Anne’s war. 


XXVI 


CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE AND INDEX* 


FOURTH EPOCHA. 

1692 . 


' A. D. Page. 

Massachusetts obtains a new charter, with extended terri¬ 
tories hut restricted ‘privileges, . ... 83 

1792. Superstition respecting witchcraft prevails, - 86 

fJQ William Penn for two years deprived of the go- 

^ vernment of Pennsylvania, - . - 88 

^ 1693. Gov. Fletcher introduces Episcopacy into New- 

I York,.. - 87 

Locke’s constitution abrogated in Carolina, - 88 

g 1694. Settlements on Oyster river destroyed, - - “ 

^ 1695. Rice introduced into Carolina from Africa, - 90 

1696. The French recover Port Royal and Pernaquid, 

and at length the whole of Acadia, - - 89 

Capt. Church destroys many of the French set¬ 
tlements in Acadia, ----- 89 

Gov. Archdale restores order in Carolina, - 90 

1697. Unsuccessful attempt of the French to destroy 

the northern colonies, - - - - “ 

L Peace of Ryswic terminates King William’s war, 

1698. Piracies of Capt. Kid, - - -' - - 91 

1699. Penn grants a third charter to Pennsylvania, - 92 

1701. Unsuccessful attempt made in England to unite 

the charter governments to the crown, - 93 


1702. Government of West Jersey surrendered to the 
crown, and united with East Jersey, - 
Commencement of dispute in Massachusetts be¬ 
tween the governors and the assembly, 
p Great Britain at war with France and 

Stain, ------- 

Unsuccessful expedition from South Carolina 
against St. Augustine, - - - - 

1703 Appalachian Indians are subdued, . - - 

The territories separate from Pennsylvania, 

The French and Indians devastate the country 
from Casco to Wells, - - - - 

1704. Deerfield destroyed, - - - - - 

Church’s expedition into the eastern part of New 
England, ------ 

1706. Episcopacy introduced into Connecticut, 

French and Spaniards invade Carolina, 

1707. Unsuccessful expedition from New England 

against Port Royal,. 

1708. Haverhill plundered and burned. 


93 

a 

u 

94 

n 

92 

94 

it 

95 

a 

it 

96 

it 


WILLIAM AND MARY. ANNE. 









Queen Anne^s War. 


CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE AND INDEX. 


xxvii 


^ Page. 

1708. Ecclesiastical constitution formed at Say brook, 

called the Saybrook Platform, ... 96 

1709. Plan formed for the reduction of the French 

power in America,.97 

1710. Palatines settle in New-York, Pennsylvania, Vir¬ 

ginia, and Carolina, . . - . “ 

Col. Nicholson captures Port Royal, - - “ 

1711. Unfortunate expedition for the conquest of Ca¬ 

nada, - - - - . . . “ 


1712. Indian war in North Carolina; the Tuscaroras 

are defeated, and unite with the Iroquois, - 98 

South Carolina establishes a bank, . . . “ 

1713. Treaty of Utrecht, which closes Queen Anne’s 

war,.99 


1715. Indian war in South Carolina. The Yamassees 

are expelled from the province, and settle in 
Florida,.99 

1716. The government of Maryland is restored to Lord 


Baltimore,.- 100 

1717. New Orleans is founded by the French, - - “ 

1719. Irish emigrants settle Londonderry, N. H., - “ 

Carolinians revolt against the proprietary govern¬ 
ment, 101 

1720. Royal government established in Carolina, - “ 

1723. First settlement made in Vermont, - . . “ 

1724. Indians instigated to hostilities by Father Ralle, 103 


1726. Two additional clauses, regulating the power of 

the governor, are annexed to the charter of 
Massachusetts, .....“ 

1727. A fort is erected at Oswego, N. Y., - - 104 


1729. North and South Carolina purchased by the 

crown, and erected into separate governments, 104 

1731. Crown Point built by the French, . - . “ 

1732. Company formed in England for the settlement 

of Georgia, -.105 

FIFTH EPOCHA. 

1733 . 

First settlement of Georgia made at Savannah, hy Oglethorpe, 
and others, ... - ... 105 

1736. Unsuccessful expedition of the French against 

the Chickasaws,.110 

1738. Insurrection of the blacks in Carolina, - - “ 


ANNE. I (jrEORGE 1. I GEORGE II. 









. Old Fr. War, French War, 


XXviii CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE AND INDEX. 

A. D. ■ Page. 

1738. A College, (Nassau Hall,) founded at Princeton, 

New Jersey, obtains a new charter, - - 111 

1739. War between England and spain - - “ 

1740. Oglethorpe invades Florida, and makes an unsuc- 

cessful attempt on St. Augustine, - . “ 

The^French conclude a peace with the Chicka- 
saws, ...... - no 

1742. A Spanish fleet invades Georgia, but retires with 

loss, - - - - - - - 111 

^ 1744. War proclaimed between England and France, 112 

1745. The colonists, under Col. Pepperell, take Louis- 

burg and Cape Breton from the French, - 113 

1746. The French send a fleet to destroy the colonies, “ 
^1748. Peace restored by the treaty of Aix la Chapelle, 114 

1750. The French make encroachments. A large 
tract of land, about Ohio river, is granted to 
the Ohio company, who erect trading houses, 
but are considered by the French as invading 
their territories, - - - - -115 

1752. Georgia becomes a royal province, - - 112 

1753. Washington sent from Virginia with a letter re- 

quiring the French to quit the English terri- 
tories. - - - - - - - 115 

'1754. The French erect fort Du Quesne. Washing. 

ton is sent to maintain the rights of the Eng. 
glish; he is attacked at fort Necessity by a 
French force, and capitulates, . . - 116 

A CONGRESS OF DELEGATES, FROM SEVEN PRO¬ 
VINCES MEETS AT Albany. They propose a 
plan for the union of the colonies, which is 
rejected, - - - - . . -117 

1755. June. Nova Scotia taken from the French, - 118 

July. Braddock leads an expedition against fort 

Du Quesne; falls into an ambuscade, and is 

totally defeated,.119 

-Treaty with the Cherokees, - . - 120 

Sept. 8. The French are repulsed at lake George, 121 

1756. Formal declaration of war between England and 

France,.. 123 

Aug. 14. Oswego surrendered to the French, 125 

Fort Granby taken by the French and Indians, “ 

1757. An expedition is undertaken against Louisbourg, 

but abandoned, ...._« 

Aug. 9. The French, under Montcalm, capture 

fort William Henry,.126 

Dispute in Pennsylvania, between the proprietary 

governor and the people, .... 127 

1758. July 6. Louisbourg taken by the English, under 

Major-General Amherst, . . . - 129 

July 8. Abercrombie repulsed at Ticonderoga, 130 

Aug. 27. Fort Frontenac taken by Col. Brad- 

street, . - - - - 130 


\ 


GEORGE II. 






French War, Causes of the Revohition, and 


CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE AND INDEX. xxix 

A. D. Page. 

' 1758. Nov. 25. The English take possession of fort Du 

Quesne,. 131 

Treaty with the Indians, between the Appala¬ 
chian mountains and the lakes, . . . “ 

1759. July 27. Gen. Amherst takes Ticonderoga, - 132 

Aug. 4. Crown Point surrenders to the English, “ 

- Fort Niagara surrenders to the English, 133 

Sept. 13. Battle on the heights of Abraham, in 

which the French are defeated, and General 
Wolfe killed, . . . . - -135 

Sept. 18 Quebec is surrendered to the English, 136 

1760. April 28. Battle near Quebec, . . . “ 

Sept. 8. Canada surrendered to Great Britain, 137 
Massachusetts opposes the issuing of writs of as¬ 
sistance, [See part VII. p. 143.) 

1761. Cherokees are subdued, .... 138 

1762. England at war with Spain, - - . . “ 

Plans for changing the government of the colo- “ 

. nies, {See part VII. p. 144.) 


SIXTH EPOCHA. 

1763 . 

Close of the French War, hy the treaty of Paris, 

" 1763. Detroit sustains a distressing siege from the In¬ 
dians commanded by Pontiac. {See note.) - 144 

1764. Great Britain determines to tax the colonies, and 

accordingly lays additional duties on sugar, 
molasses, and other articles, ... 145 

1765. An act passed by the British parliament imposing 

stamp duties in America. Great opposition 
made to the stamp act in Virginia, Massachu¬ 
setts, and the other colonies, ... 145 

Oct. Congress meets at New-York, - - 147 

1766. Stamp act repealed ; at the same time parlia¬ 

ment declares her right to bind the colonies, 150 

1767. Parliament imposes new taxes, - - - 151 

1768. Massachusetts requests the co-operation of the 

other colonies in resisting oppression, in con¬ 
sequence of which her assembly *is dissolved, “ 
Sept. 22. A convention is held at Boston, - 152 

Sept. 28. Troops are stationed at Boston, - “ 

1769. Non-importation agreements, before partially en¬ 

tered into, are, in consequence of the oppres¬ 
sive measures of parliament, adopted by all 
the colonies, - - - - - - 153 

1770. March 5. Affray with the British troops at 

Boston,.- “ 


GEORGE II. I GEORGE HI. 












preparatory measures. War of the Revolution, 


XXX 


CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE AND INDEX. 




A. D. Page. 

1770. Parliament removes the duties which had been 

imposed in the colonies, except those on tea, 154 

1772. Town meetings are held in Massachusetts, - “ 

1773. A correspondence is established between the co¬ 

lonies, - - - - , - - “ 

Attempts made to import tea into the colonies; 
the cargoes of three ships are thrown over¬ 
board at Boston, - - - - - 155 

1774. Parliament shuts the port of Boston, and otherwise 

invades the rights of the colonies, i - - 155 

Sept. 4. A continental congress assembles at Phi¬ 
ladelphia; they declare their rights; adopt 
measures to procure a redress of grievances; 
petition the king ; address the people of Eng¬ 
land, and prepare a memorial to their consti¬ 
tuents, ....... 157 

Whigs and tories become the distinguishing 

names of the royalists and provincials, - 160 

The assembly of Massachusetts resolve them¬ 
selves into a provincial congress, and prepare 
for defence, ......“ 

1775. Conciliatory measures are proposed by parlia¬ 


ment, but rejected by the colonists, - - 162 

Feb. 26. Attempt of the British to take field 

pieces at Salem, ..... 163 

April 19. War commences ; the battle of Lex¬ 
ington, ....... 164 

May 10. Ticonderoga and Crown Point are taken 

by the Americans,.165 

May 10. Congress again assembles at Philadel¬ 
phia, 

Royal governments laid aside in the southern 

colonies, - - - - . . - 166 

May. British troops arrive at Boston, . . “ 

June 17. Battle of Bunker’s Hill, - . . 167 

June 15. George Washington elected Com¬ 
mander-in-chief of the American forces, - “ 

Georgia joins the confederacy, - . - 169 

1775. The first of post-offices is established, . . “ 

Nov. 3. St. John’s surrenders to the Americans, 171 

-12. Montreal is taken by the Americans, - “ 

— 13. Arnold appears before Quebec, but is 
compelled to retire, .....“ 
Dec. 7. Action between the royalists and provin¬ 
cials near Norfolk, Va., - - . . 174 

- Parliament refuses to hear the petition of 

the colonies; prohibits all trade and inter¬ 
course with them, and hires foreign mercena¬ 
ries to send against them, - . . - 175 

Dec. 31. Americans are defeated at Quebec, 

and Montgomery killed, - - - - 172 

The British b^urn Bristol and Falmouth, - - 173 


GEORGE III. 








War of the Revolution* 


CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE AND INDEX. 


XXXI 


A. D. 
1776. 


Jan. 1. Norfolk, Va. burned by the royalists, - 
March 17. British evacuate Boston, 

April. Washington fixes his head quarters at 

New-York,. 

June 15. Americans evacuate Canada, 

-28. British are defeated on Sullivan’s island. 

Fruitless attempts at pacification, 


SEVENTH EPOCHA. 

1776 . 

1776. July 4. The Declaration of American Inde¬ 

pendence, ------ 

Aug. 27. Battle on Long Island, in which the 
Americans are defeated. 

Sept. 15. The British enter New-York, - 
Oct. 11. Americans defeated on Lake Champlain, 

-28. Battle of White Plains, - - - 

Nov. 16. Fort Washington taken by the British, 

-18. Fort Lee evacuated by the Americans, 

- Washington retreats across New Jersey, 

Dec. 26. Battle of Trenton, - - . - 

1777. Jan. 3. Battle of Princeton, - - - - 

March 23. British take the stores at Cortlandt 

Manor, -. 

April. Predatory excursion of the British to Dan¬ 
bury, Conn., 

May 23. Exploit of Col. Meigs at Sag Harbour, 
May. La Fayette espouses the cause of Ameri¬ 
can liberty, ------ 

June 26. Cornwallis attempts to bring Washing¬ 
ton to an engagement; defeats a party of Ame¬ 
ricans, ------- 

July 5. Americans evacuate Ticonderoga, 

-7. Action at Hubbardton, 

Aug. 3. St. ^eger invests fort Stanwix.—6. Gen. 

Herkimer is defeated, - - - - 

Aug. 16. Battle of Bennington, 

Sept. 11. Battle of Brandywine, 

- 19. Battle of Stillwater, - - - 

- 20. Gen. Wayne surprised and defeated 

by the British, ------ 

- 26. British take possession of Philadelphia, 

Oct. 4. Battle of Germantown, - - - 

-6. Forts Clinton and Montgomery taken by 

the British,. 


Page 

175 

176 

180 

179 

185 


181 


187 

189 
195 

190 

191 


193 

194 

197 


198 


200 

202 


201 

203 

208 

205 

209 

210 


207 


GEORGE III. 











War of the Revolution, 


xxxii CHROJVOLOGICAL TABLE AND INDEX. 

A. D. Page. 

Oct. 7. Battle near Saratoga, - - - 205 

-15. Kingston, N. Y. burned, - - - 207 

--17. Burgoyne surrenders his army to the 

Americans,.“ 

-22. The British are repulsed at Red Bank, 211, 

Nov. 15. Articles of confederation adopted by 

congress, 195 

-16. Americans abandon Mud island, and on 

the 18th, fort Mercer, on Red Bank, - - 211 

-11. Washington retires to winter quarters 

at Valley Forge,.212 

Intrigues against Washington, - - - - 213 

1778. Feb. 6 . France concludes a treaty of alli¬ 
ance WITH America, ----- 216 

England sends three commissioners to America 
who attempt to gain over the principal citizens 
by bribery, 217 

May. La Fayette defeats a detachment from the 

British army,.214 

June 18. The British evacuate Philadelphia, - 218 

-28. Battle of Monmouth, . . - 219 

A French fleet under D’Estaing arrives to aid 
America, 

July. The settlement of Wyoming destroyed by 

a band of tories and savages, - - - 221 

Aug. Expedition against Rhode Island.—15. Sul¬ 
livan besieges Newport.—28. Raises the siege. 

—29. He defeats the British at Quaker Hill, 220 
Sept. 5. Gen. Gray’s excursion to Buzzard’s Bay, 221 
Dec. 29. Savannah taken by the British, - 223 

1779. -Sunbury taken by the British, which 

completes the subjugation of Georgia, - - “ 

An unsuccessful attempt made by the British upon 

Port Royal, - - - - - - 224 

March 3. Gen. Prevost surprises the Americans 

at Briar Creek,.225 

May 12. Prevost attempts to take Charleston, - “ 

May. The British make a descent upon Virginia, 

burn Norfolk and other towns, - - - 226 

June 1. Clinton takes Stoney and Verplank’s 
Points, - - . . . - - 

-20. Indecisive engagement between the ar¬ 
mies of Lincoln and Prevost at Stono ferry, - ‘‘ 

July, The British make a descent upon Connec¬ 
ticut, - - - . . . - 227 

-16. The Americans take Stoney Point, - “ 

-19. The British, at Powles Hook, surprised 

by Major Lee,.“ 

- Unsuccessful expedition against the Bri- 

tish at Penobscot,.228 


GEORGE m. I CONTINENTAL CONGRESS UNDER THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION. 

















War of tlie Revolution. 


CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE AND INDEX. XXXiii 

A. D. Page. 

' 1779. Aug. 29. Sullivan defeats the Indians, and deso- 

V' lates their Country,.228 

Sept. 23. Paul Jones’ naval battle, - - - 231 


Oct. 9. The French and Americans are repulsed 

N from Savannah, 

Oct. 25. The British withdraw from Rhode Island, “ 

—- Congress is beset by the intrigues of 

France and Spain, - .. . . . 233 

Armed neutrality, . - . . 234 

1780. May 12. Charleston is surrendered to the British, 236 

May 28. Tarleton surprises Buford at Wacsaw, 237 
-Clinton proceeds to establish royal go¬ 
vernment in South Carolina, “ 

June 23. Skirmish at Springfield, N. J., ' - “ 

- Congress sanctions the depreciation of 

paper currency, . - . . . 238 

July 10. A French squadron arrives at Rhode 
Island, with troops under the Count de Ro- 

chambeau,.- 240 

Aug. 6. The British are defeated at Hanging 

Rock,.244 

Aug. 16. Battle near Camden, S. C., - - 242 

Aug. 18. Tarleton surprises and defeats Sumpter, 243 
Sept. Arnold’s treason at West Point discovered, 244 
Oct. 2. Major Andre executed as a spy, - - 247 

Oct. 7. Battle of King’s Mountain, - - - 248 

1781. Jan. 1. Revolt of the Pennsylvania troops, - 251 

-Arnold makes a descent upon Virginia, 

and ravages the country, .... 259 

Jan. 2.' Great exertions made by the American 

government to raise money, - - - 250 

Jan. 17. Battle of Cowpens, S. C., - - 252 

- Cornwallis pursues the Americans, - 253 

March 15. Battle of Guilford, C. H., - - 254 

March 16. Battle between the English and French 
fleets, oflf Cape Henry, - - - 259 

April 25. Americans surprised and defeated at 
Hobkirk’s Hill, - - - - - 256 

April and .May. Several British posts in S. C. 

taken by the Americans, - - . - “ 

June 5. Augusta capitulates to the Americans, - 254 

June 18. Greene makes an unsuccessful attack 

upon Ninety-Six, . - - - - - 257 

Aug. 4. Execution of Col. Hayne, - - 258 

-La Fayette opposes the British in Vir¬ 
ginia, 260 

Aug. 23. Cornwallis enters Yorktown, - - 261 

Sept. 5. Partial action between the English and 

French fleets, off the capes of the Chesapeake, 262 
Sept. 6. Forts Trumbull and Griswold taken by 

the British, and New London burned, . - 263 

Sept. 8. Battle of Eutaw Springs, S. C. - - 258 

E 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS UNDER THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION. 











War of the Revolution. 


XXxiv CHROIVOLOGICAL TABLE AND INDEX. 

A. D. P<»ge. 

f Sept. 29. Yorktown is invested by the American 

and French troops, ----- 264 

Oct. 19. Cornwallis surrenders to the al¬ 
lies, - . - ^ - 265 

1782. Oct. 8. Treaty with the states of Holland, - 271 

1783. Feb. 20. Preliminary articles of peace signed at 

Versailles, - - - - - - “ 

Sweden, Denmark, Spain, and Russia acknow- 

ledge the independence of the United States, 273 
Sept. 3. Definitive treaty of peace signed 

AT Paris,.271 

Nov. 3. American army disbanded, - - 273 

Nov. 25. British evacuate New-York, - - “ 

Dec. 23. Washington resigns his commission, 
and retires to Mount Vernon, - - - “ 

1784. The United States are encumbered with a heavy 

debt, which occasions great distress through¬ 
out the country, ----- 274 

1785. Treaty concluded with Prussia, - - - 273 

1786. Insurrection in Massachusetts and New Hamp¬ 
shire, .- 274 

Delegates from five of the middle states meet at 
Annapolis, to concert measures for amending 
the government, - - • - - - 276 

1787. A general convention meets at Philadelphia, in 

which the constitution of the United States is 
framed,.- 277 

1788. Eleven stales adopt the Federal Constitution, - 278 



EIGHTH EPOCHA. 

1789 . 

Commencement of the Federal Government, - 282 

1789. April 30. Washington inaugurated first president 

of the United States, - - - . « 

The president visits New England, - - 283 

North Carolina accedes to the constitution, - 285 

1790. Mr. Hamilton’s system for funding the national 

debt adopted, ------ 287 

Rhode Island accedes to the constitution, - “ 

Aug. 7. Treaty with the Creek Indians, - - “ 

Sept. 30. Gen. Harmer defeated by the Indians, 289 
Tennessee erected into a territory, - - “ 

1791. Duties laid on spirits distilled within the United 

States,.287 

A national bank is established, - - - “ 

Vermont admitted to the Union, - . - 288 


Continental Congress under the Articles of Confederation. I UNITED STATES’ CONSTITUTION; 






CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE AND INDEX. 


XXXV 


A. D. Page. 

1791. Nov. 4. Gen. St. Clair defeated by the Indians, 289 

1792. Kentucky admitted to the Union, - - - 290 

United States’ mint established by congress, - “ 

1793. George Washington again inaugurated president, 

The French revolution affects the politics of the 

United States,.“ 

April 8. M. Genet, the French minister, arrives, “ 

April 22. Washington issues a proclamation of 
neutrality,.291 

1794. Insurrection in Pennsylvania, on account of the 

duties on distilled spirits, - . - - 292 

Gen. Wayne defeats the Indians in Ohio, - 294 

Nov. 19. A treaty of amity and commerce con¬ 
cluded with Great Britain, - - . “ 

1795. A treaty with the western Indians, . - - 295 

Treaty with Algiers, - - - - • - “ 

Oct. 27. Treaty with Spain, . . - . “ 

1796. Jan. 1. Tennessee admitted to the Union, - “ 

Sept. Washington publishes his farewell address 

to the people of the United States, - - 296 


1797. John Adams inaugurated president, - - 298 

1798. Mission to France. Congress prepare for war 

with France, 

1799. French frigate L’Insurgent captured by the U. S. 

frigate Constellation, - . . . 299 

Death of Washington, 

1800. Seat of government transferred to Washington, 301 

Mississippi and Indiana erected into territories, “ 
Sept. 30. Treaty with France, - - - 299 

1801. Thomas Jefferson inaugurated president, - 303 

June 10. War declared against Tripoli, - - 304 

1802. Ohio admitted to the Union, - ... - “ 

Difficulty with the Spanish government respect¬ 
ing the right of deposit at New Orleans, - “ 

NINTH EPOCHA. 

1803 . 

Purchase of Louisiana. 

1803. United States’ frigate Philadelphia taken by the 

Tripolitans,.313 

1804. Stephen Decatur re-captures and burns the Phi¬ 

ladelphia at Tripoli,.314 

Com. Preble attempts to destroy the fortifications 
of Tripoli,.“ 


WASHINGTON PRESIDENT. I ADAMS. I JEFFERSON. 








Second War with 


XXXvi CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE AND INDEX. 

A. D. Page. 

1804. Alexander Hamilton killed in a duel with Aaron 

Burr, . . - _ - 315 

1805. Thomas Jefferson again inaugurated president, 316 
The Americans, under Gen. Eaton, aid the ex¬ 
pelled bashaw of Tripoli to regain his throne, 315 

June 3. Treaty of peace with Tripoli - - “ 

1806. May. The British blockade the French coast, 317 
Nov. French decree issued at Berlin, blockading “ 

thevBritish Isles, - - - - “ 

Great Britain invades the rights of America, by 
searching her vessels and impressing her 
seamen - - - - - 316 

1807. Aaron Burr tried for a conspiracy to divide the 

Union, and erect an independent empire west 
of the Mississippi. He is acquitted, ' - 318 

June. Outrage committed upon the United States’ 
frigate Chesapeake, - - - “ 

Nov. 11. British orders in council issued, - 319 

Dec. 17. Milan decree issued, - - ‘‘ 

‘ v Dec. 22. American government lay an embargo 

on thier own vessels, - - - “ 

^ 1809. March. Embargo repealed, and non-intercourse 

law substituted, . - . . 320 


James Madison inaugurated president, - 320 

April. Arrangement with Mr. Erskine, - 321 

Secret mission of Great Britain to attempt to di¬ 
vide the Union, disclosed by the agent, John 
Henry, - - . . ^ . 323 

1810. March 18. Decree of Rambouillet issued, . 320 

May. Act of congress renewing the intercourse 

with Great Britain and France whenever those 
nations should repeal their decrees, - - 321 

French decrees are repealed, - . . “ 

1811. May 16. Attack on the U. S. frigate. President, “ 

Nov. 7. Indians defeated at Tippecanoe, - - 322 

1812. Congress prepare for war. April 4. Embargo 

laid, . . . . - 324 

June 18. War declared against Great Bri¬ 
tain, - . . , . « 

June 23. Orders in council revoked, - . “ 

America makes overtures for peace, - . 348 

July 12. Gen. Hull invades Canada, - . 331 

July 17. Mackinaw surrenders to the British, 332 
Aug. 8. Battle of Brownstown, - - . “ 

Aug. 9. Battle of Maguaga, - - - 335 

Aug. 13. The United States’ frigate Essex cap¬ 
tures the British sloop of war Alert, - - 339 

Aug. 15. Chicago is abandoned, and the garrison 

defeated by the Indians, . . . 336 

Aug. 16. Hull surrenders Detroit to the British, 337 


JEFFERSON. I MADISON. 






Great Britain. 


CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE AND INDEX. 

A. D. 

I 

1812. Aug. 19. United States’ frigate Constitution cap¬ 

tures the British frigate Guerriere, 

Sept. 4. The savages are defeated at fort Har- 

rison, . .. 

Oct. Hopkin’s expedition against the Kickapoos, 
Oct. 8. Brigs Detroit and Caledonia taken by the 
Americans on lake Erie, - - . - 

Oct. 13. Battle of Queenstown, U. C. - - 

Oct. 18. The United States’ ship Wasp cap¬ 
tures the British ship Frolic, and both are 
afterwards taken by the Poictiers, 

Oct. 25. The United States’ frigate United States 
captures the Macedonian, - - . . 

Nov. Unsuccessful attempts made by General 
Smyth to invade Canada, .... 
Dec. 29. The United States’ frigate Constitution 
captures the Java, ..... 

1813. Jan. 22. Battle of Frenchtown, and massacre of 

the American soldiers, . . . . 

Feb. 22. The British attack Ogdensburgh, N. Y., 
Feb.'23. The Hornet captures the British sloop 
of war Peacock, ..... 

Delaware and Chesapeake bays blockaded by 
British fleets, ...... 

March 4. James Madison inaugurated president, 
April 10. Attack on Lewiston, Del., 

April 27. The Americans capture, York, U. C. 
May. Siege of fort Meigs, and defeat of General 
Clay in attempting to raise the siege, - 
-The British ravage the coast of the Che¬ 
sapeake, 

May 27. Fort George surrenders to the Ameri- 
. cans, ....... 

May 28. The Americans take possession of fort 
Erie, ....... 

- The British are repulsed at Sackett’s 

Harbour, - -. 

June 1. The United States’ frigate Chesapeake 
captured by the Shannon, .... 
June 5. Action at Stoney Creek. Generals 
Chandler and Winder captured, 

June 22. British repulsed at Craney’s Island, 
June 24. Five hundred Americans captured at 
Beaver Dams, U. C. .... 
June 25. Hampton destroyed by the British, 
Aug. 1. British repulsed at fort Stephenson, 

Aug. 14. United States’ brig Argus, taken by 

‘ the Pelican,. 

Aug. 30. Massacre at fort Mims, Alabama, 

Sept. 4. The Enterprize captures the British 
ship Boxer,. 


XXXVll 

Page. 

338 

342 

343 


355 

340 


345 

346 
344 

347 

352 

354 

365 

360 

352 
360 

355 

353 
360 

356 


365 

357 

361 

357 

361 

354 

366 

367 

366 




MADISON. 






Second War with Great Britain. 


XXXviii CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE AND INDEX. 

A. D. Page. 

' Sept. 10. British squadron on lake Erie captured 

by the Americans, under Com. Perry, - 357 

-Americans take possession of Malden and 

Detroit, 358 

Oct. 5. Battle of the Thames ; the British, under 
Gen. Proctor, are defeated by the Americans, 
under Gen. Harrison—death of Tecumseh, “ 

-Com. Chauncey, captures a British flotilla 


on lake Ontario, . . . - - 362 

Nov. 2. Creeks defeated at Tallushatches—7. At 

Talladega,.368 

Nov. Expedition planned against Montreal, • - 362 

Nov. 11. Battle of Williamsburg, U. C. - 363 


Nov. 18. Hillabee towns destroyed by General 

White,.368 

Nov. 29. Creeks defeated at Autossee, - - “ 

Dec. 10. Fort George evacuated by the Ameri¬ 
cans, and Newark burned, , . - 364 

Dec. 19. Fort Niagara taken by the British; 
they destroy the towns on the Niagara frontier, “ 
1814. Jan. 22. Creeks defeated at Emucfau, - - 369 

Jan 27. Creeks repulsed from the camp of Gen. 

Floyd, - - - - - - - “ 

Feb. Captain Holmes’ expedition to the river 

Thames,.374 

March. Final defeat of the Creeks at Tohopeka, 369 
March 28. United States’ frigate Essex taken, 
after a severe conflict, by the British frigate 
Phebe and sloop Cherub, - - - 392 

March 31. Affair at La Colie, ... 373 

April 21. United States’ ship Frolic, captured by 

a British squadron, ..... 393 

April 29. United States’ ship Peacock captuyes 
the Epervier, ......“ 

May 6. Attack of the British on Oswego, - - 374 

June 28. The United States’ ship Wasp captures 

the Reindeer,.393 

July 3. The Americans possess fort Erie, - 376 

July 5. Battle of Chippewa, . . - . “ 

-Unsuccessful attempts to retake Mack¬ 
inaw, .382 

-Com. Hardy makes a descent upon the 

\ coast of Maine,.387 

July 25. The British are defeated in the battle 

of Bridgewater, ..... 377 

Aug. 4. The British besiege fort Erie, - - 380 

Aug. 9. The British are repulsed from Stonington, 387 
Aug. 15. The British are repulsed from fort Erie, 380 
Aug. 24. The battle of Bladensburg; Washing¬ 
ton entered and plundered by the British, - 385 

' Aug. 27. Alexandria capitulates to the British, 386 

I Sept. 1. The U. S. ship Wasp engages the Avon, 393 


MADISON. 










Second War mth Great Britain, 


CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE AND INDEX. XXXIX 

A. D. Page. 

1814. Sept. 11. British squadron on lake Champlain 

captured by the Americans, under Com. Mac- 
donnough ; the battle of Plattsburg, - - 391 

Sept. 12. The British are defeated near Baltiniore, 387 
September 13. The British are repulsed at fort “ 

M’Henry, 

Sept. 17. Sortie from fort Erie, in which the Bri- 
tish works are destroyed, - - • - - 381 

Oct. 20. The British are defeated near Chippewa, 382 
Nov. 7. Pensacola surrendered to the Americans, 397 
Dec. 13. The British invade Louisiana, and cap¬ 
ture an American flotilla on lake Borgne, 398 
Dec. 15. Meeting of the Hartford Convention, 395 
Dec. 23. Americans repulsed in an attack on the 

British position below New Orleans, - - 399 

Dec. 28. The British are repulsed in attempting 

to force the Americans from their position, 400 

1815. Jan. 1. The British are again repulsed from New 

Orleans, - - . . _ . . “ 

Jan. 8. Final defeat of the British at N. Orleans, 401 
Jan. 15. U. S. frigate President captured by a 
British fleet, 394 

Feb. 17. Treaty of peace with Great Britain 

ratified by the United States, ... 402 

Feb. 20. The U. S. frigate Constitution captures 
the Cyane and Levant, . . . . “ 

March 11. Fort Bowyer surrendered to the Bri¬ 
tish, .401 

March 23. The U. S. ship Hornet captures the 
British brig Penguin, . . - . 402 

April 6. Massacre of the American prisoners at 
Dartmoor, England, - - - “ 

War with Algiers,.403 

Sept. Treaty with the Indians, . . - “ 

1816. - A national bank established by congress, 404 

Aug. A fort at Appalachicola destroyed by the 

Americans, - - - - ' - - “ 

Treaties with the Chickasaws, Choctaws, and 

Cherokees,.“ 

A new tariff* is formed to encourage cotton ma¬ 
nufactures, -.“ 

Colonization society formed, - - - - 405 

Dec. Indiana is admitted to the Union, - - 404 


1817. James Monroe is inaugurated president, - - 405 

Indians cede their lands in Ohio to the United 

States,.“ 

A spirit of internal improvements prevails; roads 

and canals are commenced, . - - 406 

Dec. Mississippi territory admitted to the Union, 405 
The United States take possession of Amelia 
Island,.“ 


MADISON. I MONROE. 






xl 


CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE AND INDEX. 


A. D. 

1818. Dec. War with the Seminole Indians, 

April. Cheraw villages are destroyed, 

May. General Jackson takes possession of ^St. 
Marks and Pensacola; but they are after- 
wards restored to Spain by the American go- 
» vernment, ...... 

Illinois admitted to the Union, 

Treaties concluded with Great Britain and Swe¬ 
den, ....... 

Chickasaws cede their lands to the United States, 

1819. Arkansaw territory erected. Alabama admitted 

i to the Union, ..... 




TENTH EPOCHA. 

1819 . 

Cession of Florida. 

1820. King of Spain ratifies the treaty by which Florida 

was ceded to the United States, 

Maine becomes an independent state, and is ad 
mitted to the Union, .... 

1821. Mr. Monroe is again inaugurated president, 
Missouri is admitted to the Union, 

1822. Florida is erected into a territorial government. 
Commercial treaty with France, 

Depredations committed by the pirates in the 

West Indian seas, . . . . , 

The government of the United States acknow 
ledges the independence of the South Ameri 
can republics, . . . . 

1823. Com. Porter is sent against the pirates and sub 

dues them, ..... 

1824. A new tariff is formed, affording further protec 

tion to manufactures, 

Aug. 15. Gen. La Fayette visits America, anc 
is received with distinguished honours. 


1625. John Quincy Adams inaugurated president. 
Treaty with Colombia, .... 
Two ministers sent to the congress at Panama, 
1826. Died, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, 


Paga 

407 

408 


407 

408 

409 


410 

411 

412 

411 

412 


413 


412 


413 


4im 

419 

420 


MONROE. I ADAMS. 









INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 

ABORIGINAL. INHABITANTS 

OF THE 

TERRITORY OF THE 

REPVBliIC OF AMERICA. 

TRADITIONAL ACCOUNTS, &;c. 


The earliest inhabitants known to have occupied America, were 
called by the Europeans, Indians, the whole country having received 
the indefinite appellation of the West Indies. Of these barbarians no- 
thing was known till the discovery of the continent of America by Co- 
lumbus, in 1492 ; yet their traditionary accounts, and the probable con- 
jectures of historians, carry ns farther back in the order of time ; and 
as some account of them is necessary, towards understanding the his¬ 
tory of the European settlers, we shall commence with such informa- 
tion as we can collect concerning them.| 

The most reasonable supposition respecting the great body of inlia- 


f It seems highly important to give some account of the names, location, and character 
of the principal Indian tribes, inhabiting the country of tire Republic of America, before tlie 
commencement of the settlements by Europeans. We are soon led to accounts of collisions 
Letween these tribes and the European settlers, and their uncouth names seem to come upon 
the mind in endless succession; while the feeling of cur ignorance respecting them, gives a 
vagueness to the whole narration, and prevents our taking clear, comprehensive, and satis¬ 
factory views of those portions of the history with which they are connected. It seems 
also proper that the earliest inhabitants of the country should receive the first notice of tll^ 
historian. 


1 




2 


ABORIGINAL INHABITANTS 


bitants found by Europeans, in the territory of which our history treats, 
is, that they passed from the northeast of Asia to America. In lati¬ 
tude 66°, the two coasts approach near each other ; and 
between them are two islands, less than twenty miles dis- 

-tant from either shore. The savages of North America 

have a striking resemblance in person, character, language, and man¬ 
ners, to the Tartar tribes who inhabit the northeast coast of Asia. 

But there is ample evidence in the remains of ancient works, that a 
people far more numerous and civilized, than those found by Euro¬ 
pean settlers, were previous occupants of the northern and western 
parts of the United States, along the Lakes, the Mississippi, and its 
branches. This strong circumstantial evidence is confirmed by the 
traditionary accounts of the Indians. The name given by them to 
this earlier race,, is that of Alligewi, or Alleganians, a name still pre¬ 
served in the most majestic mountains of the country of which they are 
supposed to have been once the lords. 

The Indians possessed no books or written manuscripts. Tradi¬ 
tionary tales, and a few war songs constituted all their literary attain¬ 
ments. According to traditions handed down to them from their ances¬ 
tors, the great body of Indians, found by Europeans inhabiting the 
territory of the United States of America, emigrated from a country 
Mio^ration of the ^he west. The great nation, called the Lenni Le- 

Delawares from nape, or Delawares, having determined to move eastward, 

_set out m a body. After travelling a great distance, they 

at length arrived on the delightful borders of the Namaesi Sipu, (Missis¬ 
sippi.) Here they met with the Mengwe or Iroquois, another powerful 
people, who with similar objects had migrated from a far distant country, 
and had reached the same river somewhat nearer to its source. 

The territory east of the Mississippi was inhabited by the Alligewi, 
a powerful nation, whose warriors were of a gigantic stature. These 
people, according to the tradition, had many large cities.* The Dela- 

* From this tradition, as well as for the reasons already mentioned, they appear to have 
been a much more civilized people than their conquerors. Mexico was found by Spaniards, 
in the beginning of the sixteenth century, inhabited by a race who appear to rank in the 
scale of civilization, where the Alligewi might have been supposed to be; reasoning from 
Indian tradition, from the remains of ancient fortifications, and from the dead bodies which 
have been found in the nitrous caves of the western states, in the condition of mummies. 
These were wrapped in cloth, different in texture from any thing known to have been made by 
the Indians, but of the same kind as that manufactured in the South Sea Islands, and in 
Southern Asia. 

It seems, on the whole, probable that it was the Alligewi who constructed the ancient works 
found in Ohio, and elsewhere; and that being driven from their possessions, by the barba¬ 
rous nations of the west, they migrated southwestwardly to Mexico, and perhaps to Peru. 
It is thought by some that the Cherokees, Choctaws, and Chickasaws, who are of a less stern 
and ferocious temperament, belong to this race, who are supposed, by our ablest antiquarians, 
to have migrated, in some unknown time and manner, from the Malays of Southern Asia. 




OF AMERICA. 


3 


wares requested permission to settle in their country, but progress east- 

were refused. Determined to force their way, they en- SSgewi 

tered into an alliance with the Mengwe. The Alligewi - 

fortified their towns, and made a brave resistance. Many great battles 

were fought, and the slain were buried in holes, or laid in heaps, and 

covered with mounds of earth. The Alligewi, at length, 

totally overcome, fled down the Mississippi, and never ov^^omet'^an^d 

returned. The two nations who conquered the Alligewi their conquerors 
j- • 1 1 1 1 1 T -1 divide their 

divided the country between them. Ihe Iroquois took country. 

possession of that along the Lakes and the St. Lawrence, - 

and extended themselves, by degrees, through the valleys of their tribu¬ 
tary streams; while the Lenni Lenape, except a few who chose to re¬ 
main west of the Mississippi, spread their tribes over the more fertile 
regions of the South. 

A long period of peace ensued, in which the Indians The Delawares 
experienced a rapid increase of their population. In the 

meantime, some of the more enterprising huntsmen among - 

the Delawares, crossed the mountains, and discovered noble streams 
running towards the southeast. They traced them until they came to 
the Atlantic, which they called the Salt Water Lake. To some of these 
streams they gave names. The Delaware still retains the appellation 
of these savage people, although their national existence is extinct. At 
that period, however, they gave it the name of Lenapehittuck ; Lenape, 
referring to the name by which they seem to have been, at that period, 
best known; and hittuck, signifying a rapid river. 

The huntsmen, having returned to their countrymen, gave them such 
a vivid description of the country which they had traversed, of the Great 
Bay (Chesapeake) and its fine rivers, and also of another great river 
which they had discovered, (supposed to be the Hudson,) that the main 
body of the tribe, concluding that this must be the country which the 
Great Spirit had designed for their residence, crossed the mountains, 
and took peaceable possession. A considerable part of the tribe, 
however, still remained west of the mountains. 

They made the Lenapehittuck their centre of commu¬ 
nication; but extended themselves to the Potomac, Sus- Del^™r^^river 
quehannah, and Hudson. In process of time, the eastern principal 

Delawares divided themselves into three tribes, the Tur- 
tie, Turkey, and Wolf. Tlie Turkey and Turtle tribes 

occupied the ground between the seacoast and the moun- - 

tains ; the Wolf, or Minsi tribe, held their council fire at Minisink, about 
twenty-five miles west of Newburgh, extending from this, their central 
position, in every direction, indefinitely, from tw’enty to fifty miles. The 
general name of Delawares was given to those tribes who inhabited 
the present state of New-Jersey. 






4 


ABORIGINAL INHABITANTS 


From the Turtle, Turkey, and Wolf tril)es, proceeded others, desig¬ 
nated, like them, by names taken from natural objects, or local peculiari¬ 
ties. These looked to the parent stock with affection, and were proud 
to be considered their grandchildren. This, it is said, was the case with 
the Mohicanni, or Mohicans, a people who became distinct from the pa¬ 
rent stock, and adopted a dialect of their own. Choosing to live by 
Extend them- themselves, they crossed the Hudson river, naming it the 
and\oi?th*^ Mohicanhittuck, and spread themselves over a great part 

-of what is now called New-England. New tribes arose 

from this stock, who, in their figurative language, acknowledged the De¬ 
lawares to be their grandfather. This ancient tribe at last concluded 
to enlarge their council house, and admit their Mohicanni grandchil- 
dren to their council fire. They also received other tribes, who, in a 
similar manner, had wandered southward, and settled in Maryland and 
Virginia. 

In the meantime the Mengwe, or Iroquois, who at first settled along 
the Lakes, had been extending themselves until they approached, in 
many points, near to the Lenape, or Delawares. 

The Iroquois They had conquered a powerful nation called Hurons, 
ronS”^^ Adarondacks, or Wyandots, which are the only people 

-on the eastern coast, says the Indian tradition, who were 

not descendants of the Mengwe and Lenape ;* but being driven from 
their country by the Iroquois, they fled to the place wiiere the French 
afterwards built Quebec. Disputes at length arose between the Dela-. 
They also sub- wares and Iroquois, and a war ensued, which ended in 
wares^^'^ establishing the sovereignty of the latter, who, at this 

- time, having been divided, were called, on account of 

their five principal tribes, the “ Five Nations.” 

Thus far we follow merely the traditions of the Indians. Like those 
of other barbarous nations, they probably contain a mixture of error 
with truth; yet there is a simplicity in the story which favours its pro¬ 
bability. It falls in with the most probable hypothesis concerning the 
first peopling of the continent; for it asserts that all the Indian nations 
migrated from the west and northwest, and is corroborated by the an¬ 
cient remains already noticed. It is also consistent with what may be 
considered as authentic in their history, as related by the first explorers 

* “ The Lenni Lenape, or Delawares, claim to be the head of all nations except the Iro¬ 
quois or Five Nations, and the Hurons or 'Wyandots—all the southern nations, all the east¬ 
ern, and indeed all the nations on this side of the Mississippi (except as above). They say 
before the Europeans arrived among them, they had ‘ one house, one fire, one canoe.’ That 
the strangers taking possession of the country, both on the Hudson river and the Potomac, 
(‘ each end of the long house of their fathers,’) shut up the road, or barred their friendly in¬ 
tercourse. The inferior tribes which sprung from these three main branches were very nu¬ 
merous, and although they received various names arising from different localities and cir¬ 
cumstances, yet they were merely subdivisions of the parent nations before mentioned.” 





OF AMERICA. 


of their country. When Capt. Smith lirst arrived in Virginia, the war 
between the Delawares and Iroquois was raging in all its fury. In an 
excursion which he made up the Rappahannock, about 1608, he had a 
skirmish with the Mannahoacks, a tribe descended from the Delawares, 
and took prisoner a brother pf one of their chiefs. From him he first 
heard of the Iroquois, who, the Indian told him, “ dwelt on a great water 
to the north, had a great many boats, and so many men that they waged 
war with all the rest of the world.” 


Indiaui nations of 
Virginia. 


Historical Accounts. 

The Indians earliest known to the Europeans were 
those of Virginia. When the first effectual settlement 
of that colony was made, in 1607, the country, from the seacoast to the 
mountains, and from the Potomac to the most southern waters of James 
river, was occupied by upwards of forty different tribes of Indians ; all, 
however, supposed to have originated from the Delawares. 

Those between the seacoast and the falls of the rivers ^I'jan'es^^ver.^ 

formed one confederacy, and were attached to the Fowl- 

hattan nation, as their bond of union. This confederacy consisted of 
thirty tribes ; and the whole number of souls belonging to it, is calcu¬ 
lated at eight thousand, of whom three-teiiths were warriors. The ter¬ 
ritory over which they spread, contained eight thousand square miles. 
Thus, in this region, which appears to have been one of the most popu¬ 
lous parts of the Indian territory, there was only a population of one to 
every square mile. Powhattan was the great sachem or werowance 
of the confederacy which bore his name. The seat of his hereditary 
dominions was on the Powhattan, afterwards James river, below the 
falls.* From its extremely agreeable situation, the English called it 
Nonesuch. Soon after the English made a settlement at Jamestown, Pow¬ 
hattan removed to the river Chickahominy. The Indians between the falls 
of the rivers and the mountains, were divided into two confederacies— 
the Mannahoacks, and Monocans. These last were af- Mannaho 
terwards called the Tuscaroras, and extended into North 
Carolina. The Mannahoacks and the Monocans were 
united in a grand combination against the Powhattans. 

Of this combination there were thirteen tribes ; eight un- - 

der the Mannahoacks and five under the Monocans. It is said that 
these three principal tribes spoke languages so radically different, that 


acks and Mono¬ 
cans, between 
the Falls of the 
rivers and moun¬ 
tains. 


* The only boundaries which separated Indian nations from each other, were natural 
ones. A tribe generally claimed the country bordering on a river, and was perhaps se¬ 
parated from a neighbouring tribe by a range of hills or mountains. As the head waters of 
rivers sometimes approached or interlocked each other, the boundaries thus beezune indefi 
nite, and this frequently caused wars between different tribes. 





ABORIGINAL INHABITANTS 


(» 


Meherrins, 

Tuteloes. 


and 


Indians of Norlli 
Carolina. 


Indians of South 
Carolina. 


interpreters were necessary whenever they transacted business. The 
The Nottoways, other Indians of Virginia were the Nottoways, on Notto¬ 
way river, and the Meherrins and Tuteloes, on Meherrin 
river. 

The original tribes of North Carolina were thirteen ; 
of which the principal were the Tuscaroras. These were 
-settled on Roanoke river, in Bertie, and adjacent coun¬ 
ties. Most of the tribe were destroyed, for an attempt to massacre the 
English in the northern parts of Carolina. Those who survived, soon 
after left their country and united with the Iroquois, or Five Nations; 
that confederacy being afterwards called the Six Nations. The Mack- 
apunga Indians were in Hyde county; the Chowans, in Chowan county; 
the Pasquotanks, in Pasquotank county; the Poteskeits, in Currituck 
county; the Neuse, on Neuse river; the Pamlico Indians, on Pamlico 
sound ; and the Hatteras Indians, who were located near Cape Hatteras. 
The other tribes of North Carolina were but little known. 

In South Carolina were twenty-eight considerable 
tribes. At this period it is impossible to determine the 

-geographical situation of some of them. The Stonoes 

were probably settled on the Stono; the Westoes were in the vicinity 
of Charleston, and the Catawbas, on Catawba river; the Congarees, 
on Congaree river; and the Yamassees, south of Charleston, not far 
from Savannah. They were afterwards expelled the province, and 
compelled to take refuge among the Spaniards in Florida. 

In Georgia, extending into Alabama, were the Musco¬ 
gee, or Creek Indians, so called from their country 
Creeks. abounding with creeks and rivulets. Their principal set- 

-tlements were on the Tallapoosa, Coosa, Chatahoochee 

and Flint rivers. This nation consisted of two divisions. Upper and 
Lower Creeks, a part of which are called Seminoles. The term Se¬ 
minole, means wild, being applied to all the vagabonds of the nation. 
They were seated on the Appalachicola and Flint rivers, and inhabited 
also an extensive district in Florida. The Shawanese, or Shawnces, 
(recently remarkable as the native tribe of Tecumseh) once resided on 
the banks of the Suwaney river, in Florida, and from thence migrated 
northwardly, first to Pennsylvania, and afterwards to Ohio. 

The Cherokees dwelt chiefly on fiie head waters of 
the Savannah, Chatahoochee, and Alabama rivers, and 
of the branches of the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers. 
Their territory comprised a tract of twenty-four thousand 
square miles. The Choctaws occupied the country be¬ 
tween the Tombigbee and Mississippi rivers. The Chick- 

-asaw country extended north of the Choctaws to the river 

Ohio, and was bounded east bv the Tennessee, and west by the Missis- 


Of Georgia. 


Southwestern 

Indians. 

Cherokees. 


Choctaws. 

Chickasaws, 







OF AMERICA. 7 

sippi. Their towns were on the head waters of the Tombigbee and 
Yazoo rivers.* 

The Natchez were once a powerful tribe residing on Natchez. 

the banks of the Mississippi, some hundred miles above - 

its mouth. 

The Indians w^ho inhabited the neighbourhood of the St. Lawrence 

and the Lakes, were chiefly branches of the Iroquois, and the remains 

of the Hurons. The Iroquois, or Min<?oes, or, as they _ 

11 1 , . . The Mingoes or 

were sometimes called, the hive Nations, were a union Five Nations. 

of so many tribes bound by a league or confederacy. -- 

By the French they are called Iroquois ; by the English, Five Nations; 
by the Indians of Connecticut, Mohawks, (from the Mohawk tribe, 
which was the .most warlike among them;) and by the Delawares of 
Virginia, Massawomacs. The nations comprising the confederacy ori¬ 
ginally consisted of five tribes, three of which were termed the elder, 
viz.: the Senecas, Onondagas, and Mohawks ; and two were called the 
younger tribes, viz.: the Cayugas and Oneidas.f The Tuscaroras, as 
has been remarked, migrated from North Carolina, and joined the con¬ 
federacy at a more recent period. Hence, as before 
mentioned, they are called the Six Nations. This con¬ 
federacy, before the commencement of the English set¬ 
tlements, occupied the country from the east end of Lake 
Erie to Lake Champlain ; from the Kittatinny mountains 
and the Highlands, to Lake Ontario and the river Cataraqui, or St. Law¬ 
rence. The Mohawks settled on Mohawk River. One of their prin¬ 
cipal seats was eighteen miles west of Schenectady. The Oneidas lo¬ 
cated themselves on the east side of Oneida Lake; the Onondagas, 
east of Lake Onondaga; and the Cayugas, on Cayuga Lake. The 
Senecas were situated on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, extend, 
ing south to the head waters of the Susquehannah and Ohio, and west 
beyond the falls of Jagara or Niagara. Like the Delawares, the Iro¬ 
quois represented their confederacy under the figure of a log house, of 
which the Mohawks were the eastern, and the Senecas the western door. 

When the French settled Canada, in 1608, they found the Five Na- 

* The eauliest European accounts of these people, which are contained in the history of 
the expedition of Ferdinand de Soto, show them to have been more civilized than any other 
tribes of the United States, and thus strengthen the supposition that they are the descendants 
of the Alligewi. The Cherokees have an impression that they belong to a superior stock. 
The Chickasaws, Choctaws, and Cherokees, are all considerably advanced in civilization. In 
this respect they evidently form an exception to the Indian race, which, generally speaiking, 
flee from civilized society, and relinquish their possessions rather than their wild inde¬ 
pendence. 

f Each of these nations is divided into other tribes, who distinguish themselves by em¬ 
blems—as the Tortoise, the Bear, and the Wolf. The sachems put this mark of their trilie to 
every p«tDuc paper which they sign. This is called the totem of the tribe. 


Afterwards call¬ 
ed Six Nations. 

The location of 
theFiveNations. 





8 


ABORIGINAL INHABITANTS. 


tions at war witli the Adaronducks, who lived on the St. Lawrence; 
many miles above Trois Rivieres. The Five Nations conquered the 
country as far west as Lake Huron, and as far south as Lake Erie. 
The Adarondacks, or Hurons, or, as they are now generally termed, the 
The CO e Wyandots, were driven west, and first settled on the east- 
theTvyandotsJ^ em shore of the noble lake, which, in the name of Huron, 
die D^kwares^ preserves one of the appellations of this people. After- 

-wards they settled near where Detroit is now situated. 

The Ottawas* were in alliance with the Wyandots, and being driven 
west at the same time, established themselves on the southern shore of 
Lake Erie. Within the limits of the United States the Five Nations 
conquered (as before mentioned) the territory of the Delawares, obliged 
them to put themselves under their protection, deprived them of the 
power of making war, and confined them to raising corn, fishing, hunting, 
&;c. for subsistence. This the Indians termed reducing their enemies 
to the state of women. Such was the condition of these Indians when 
William Penn, 1682, began the settlement of New-Jersey and Pennsyl- 
vania. The Five Nations had at that time penetrated down the Sus- 
quehannah to its mouth. Spreading themselves by force over all the 
back parts of Virginia, the tribes now known by the name of Nanti- 
cokes. Conies, and Tuteloes, who lived between Chesapeake and Dela¬ 
ware bays, found themselves obliged to enter into alliance with them. 
They had carried their conquests east as far as Connecticut river. A 
part of Vermont was once the property of the Five Nations. Some of 
these people were converted by the Jesuit Missionaries who accompa- 
nied the French to Canada. These were called Praying Indians, and 
removing northward, formed the village of Caughnewaga, near Mon- 
treal. 

When Hudson first explored the great river of New. 
Hudson river. ^ York, he found that the Mohawks extended also along 
the western bank of that river from the head of naviga- 
tion to the Catskill mountains. On the southwestern 
Matouwacks. shores of Long Island, were the Matouwacks. On Sta- 
Manhattae. ten and Manhattan islands were the Manhatta 3 . This 
tribe extended for some distance up the eastern bank of 
Mohegans. the Hudson, when they gave place to the Mohegans, or 
-- Mohicanni,! who stretched along the same shore, and 

* The Ottawas are remarkable for having produced, at a more rec,ent period, one of the 
three most celebrated of the Indian warlike chiefs. Thesd, we think it will be acknowledged, 
are Philip, of the Pokanokets; Pontiac, of tlie Ottawas ; and Tecuraseh, of the Shawanese. 

f On examining the history of Indian nations, much confusion and obscurity is discovered, 
from the various names given to the same tribe or country. For instance, the Mohegans 
were known by the following names, viz.: Mahi canni, M hicans, Mankikani, Malrikans, 
Mahiccanders, Mohickanders, Nahikanders, Manlhkans, Manhekanew, Mohiccans, Mehic- 
cons, Mahiccans, Mahicanni, Mahicans, and River Indians. 




OF AMERICA". 


9 


passed into Vermont as far as Lake Champlain. The whole territory, 
between the Hudson and Connecticut, was occupied by different 
branches of this nation. Their chief seat was at Albany. The 
Stockbridge Indians formed one of its principal tribes. 

Passing next to the location of the other. Indians who Indians of tlie 
inhabited New England, we find in the north several 
tribes bearing the general name of TaranteenS, or Abe- 

naquies, called also New England, or Eastern Indians. -- 

The names of these tribes, were either taken from the rivers along 
which they were located, or more probably, each gave to the river se¬ 
lected, the name of their tribe. The fact is ascertained that along the 
Penobscot, Androscoggin, and Saco rivers, resided tribes of the same 
name. The Bashaba of Penobscot, as the chief of that tribe was called, 
held a superior raiik to the sachems of the different tribes in his vici- 
nity, for as far west as Naumkeag (Salem) they acknowledged subjec- 
tion to him. The Passamaquoddies were on the west side of Passama- 
quoddy bay. The Pemaquids were a powerful tribe residing near the 
mouth of Kennebec river. The Norridgewocka were situated on the 
upper parts of the same river. The Pigwackets and Ossipee tribes re- 
sided near the head waters of the Saco. The Taranteens are said to 
have been the first Indians who used fire arms. Pdany of them re- 
moved from their original seats, and settled on the banks of the St. 
Francis, in Canada, and afterwards united with the French in their 
bloody incursions upon the frontier settlements of Maine and New 
Hampshire. 

In New Hampshire, were the Newichewannocks, on Tribes in New- 

Piscataqua river. On the Merrimack were the Wainoo- 

set, Pawtucket,Amoskeag, and Penicook Indians. Pro- 
, A , . , ^ , On the Connec- 

bably there were scattering settlements as lar up as the ticut river. 

head of the river. At Coos, on the banks of the Con- - 

necticut, a considerable tribe occasionally resided. 

Following down this river into the present state of Massachusetts, we 
find at Northfield, the Squakeags; at Deerfield, the Pocumtucks; at 
Northampton, the Nonaticks; at Springfield, the Agawains; and at 
Westfield, the Waranokes. Within the limits of the present county 
of Worcester, were the Quinaboags, at Brookfield; the Nashuas, at 
Lancaster; and the Nipmucks, in the southwest, extending into Con¬ 
necticut. 

Within the limits of the present state of Vermont, few permanent 
lodges of Indians have been known. 

Stretching along the coast from the mouth of the Mer- habiting^*°the"" 
rimack to that of the Connecticut, were five principal souUieastem 
and distinct nations, viz.; the Pawtuckets, the Maseachu- ^ 

2 




10 


ABORIGINAL INHABITANTS 


setts, the Pokanokets, or Pawkunnawkuts, called also the Wampa- 
noags, the Narragansetts, and the Pequods. 

1 st. The Paw- The Pawtuckets made their principal seat upon the 

■ _ Merrimack, near its mouth, and extended themselves 

south until they met the territories of the Massachusetts. In subjec¬ 
tion to them, were several other tribes, among which are reckoned the 
Agawams and Piscataquas. Their number, as is supposed, was once 
three thousand; but a fatal epidemic had prevailed among them pre¬ 
vious to the arrival of the English, which, from the description given by 
the Indians, is conjectured to have been the yellow fever. Those who 
died are said to have been of “ the colour of a yellow garment.” This 
disease proved so destructive, that at the period of Philip’s war, the 
nation could not boast more than two hundred and fifty warriors. 

The Massachusetts were scattered about the bay which 
2 d. TheMassa- , , . , . , , 

chusetts. bears their name. Iheir territories extended to the 


-Pawtuckets on the north, and the Pokanokets on the 

south. The authority of their chief sachem was acknowledged by se¬ 
veral minor tribes, among which were the Neponsetts, the Nashuas, the 
Pocumtucks of Deerfield, and part of the Nipmucks. This nation also 
suffered by the fatal epidemic in an equal or greater degree than the 
Pawtuckets; their number of warriors having diminished from three 
thousand to three hundred. 

^ , The Pokanokets, called sometimes Wampanoass, in- 
nockets. habited the country around Cape Cod, stretching along 

- the seacoast, and including what is now the southern 

part of Massachusetts, and the eastern of Rhode Island. On theii 
north were the Massachusetts, and on their western boundary were the 
Narragansetts. A part of the Nipmucks, several tribes living upon the 
adjacent islands, and some others, whose long, uncouth names are sel¬ 
dom met in history, were tributary to the grand sachem of the Poka¬ 
nokets. On the arrival of the English, this dignity was held by Mas- 
sasoit, whose seat was at Pokanoket, near Mount Hope, in Bristol. 
His son, the famous Philip, afterwards resided in the same place. No 
Indian nation figures so much in the early history of the New-England 
colonies as this. It was upon their coasts that the pilgrim fathers of 
New-England first landed; their kindness, at one time, helped to sus¬ 
tain them, and at another, their valour had well nigh exterminated them. 

The terrible epidemic already mentioned, had also been fatal to great 
numbers of this nation. The year after the landing of the Pilgrims at 
Plymouth, two of their number made a visit to Massasoit. Traversing 
the country, on Taunton river, they found fine fields of corn ; but those 
who had planted them were all dead, and none were left to gather the 
harvest:—so terrible seemed the disease to have been, that there was 






or AMERICA. 


11 


not enough left of the living to bury the dead, and their skeletons were 
seen in great quantities scattered over the surface of the ground. 

The Narragansetts held their chief seat and the resi¬ 
dence of their grand sachem on the island of Canonicut, gansS^ 

in the bay wliich still bears their name. Westerly they- 

extended to within four or five miles of the Paucatuck river, where their 
territories met those of the Pequods. On the east, they joined the Po- 
kanokets. Under their dominions were a part of the Indians of Long 
Island, Block Island, a part of the Nipmucks, and some others. 

Tho Narragansetts appear to have suffered also by the epidemical 
disease. It is related that their number of warriors had diminished 
from five to one thousand. Their country was well adapted to the In¬ 
dian mode of life ; alternate woods and waters afforded plenty of game 
and fish, and allowed them their favourite mode of travelling, by tho 
canoe. Possessing, in a greater degree than many of the other tribes 
the means of happiness, they appeared less ferocious in their character, 
and the English owed much to their friendship. 

The Pequods, once a warlike people, held the chief ^ p 
scat of their nation about the mouth of the river which quods. 

once bore the name of tho tribe, but is since called the -- 

Thames. Their sachem, like those of the other principal tribes, held 
dominion over several petty chiefs or sagamores; among which were 
.some of those of Long Island, the Mohegans, the Quinnipiacks, and 
some of the Nipmucks, about Quinaboag. I'his nation suffered a di- 
miiiution of numbers not less than those before mentioned, their num¬ 
ber of warriors having lessened from four thousand to three hundred. 

It is a wondei fiil coincidence of events, that a disease of such unex¬ 
ampled mortality should have attacked, weakened, and humbled fhese 
powerful nations, at a time just preceding the arrival of our forefathers 
upon their shores. Had they remained in their full strength, it is evi¬ 
dent, that with the small means which the first European emigrants 
possessed, they could not have effected a settlement. In this the un- 
devout will perceive nothing but a happy fortuity; but the pious heart 
will delight to recognise and acknowledge a siqierintcnding Providence, 
Avhose time for exchanging, upon these shores, a savage for a civilized 
people, had now fully come.* 


* For a further account of the Indian nations, see the geograpliical notice at the ninth epo¬ 
ch*. The purchase of Louisiana occurring at that time, many new tribes became connected 
with our history. Their locations, as well as the present residences of the miserable rem¬ 
nants of the nations of which we have been treating, will be found on the map of the pre¬ 
sent day. 




ABORIOINAL INHABITANTS 


m 


Aboeigines.—Theik Chaeactee, Manneks, &c. 

The Indians are well formed, of a copper complexion, with long 
black hair, and high cheek bones. 

Their language is, as would naturally be supposed, de- 
The language ^ . . f. ^ , ■. i n i 

of the Indians, ficient in arbitrary sounds, and chiefly composed oi such 

- as are natural. It is wanting in copiousness, requiring 

to be illustrated by many gestures, and abounds in metaphor and allu- 

sion. These circumstances render it peculiarly effectual in the mouth 

of their orators, when they would excite passion or quicken revenge. 

The language of the Iroquois is said to excel in energy and pathos, 

and in these respects, to bear some comparison with the Greek. 

The Indians are grave and taciturn, and seem to delight, on all pos¬ 
sible occasions, to make their meaning known by some significant ac¬ 
tion. Hence, to denote their hostile intentions, they send to their ad¬ 
versary some weapon of war. The tomahawk has on these occasions 
been most frequently used. In one instance, a bundle of arrows tied 
with the skin of a serpent was sent by a neighbouring chief to the go¬ 
vernor of Plymouth, who returned the same skin, stuffed with powder 
and ball. The action denoting their intention of peace, is the com¬ 
posing one of smoking the crdurnet, or pipe of peace. 

Their dress. dress of the Indians is in summer extremely slight, 

-but in winter they are clothed in the skins of the moose, 

deer, fox, bear, and other animals. Nothing can exceed their desire 
of what they consider as ornamental. They paint themselves with va¬ 
rious colours, and dress their hair with much toil and art. They also 
wear glittering stones, shells, and small pieces of gold in their noses, 
ears, and cheeks; but when thus equipped, their embellishments have 
rather a reference to the terrors of war, than the allurements of society. 
The Indian considers it beneath his dignity to adorn himself in order 
to appear amiable in the presence of the females of his tribe ; but when 
he is about to wield the tomahawk and scalping knife, then he prides 
himself upon his fanciful decorations. The Indian women, however, 
appear to have less of the love of ornament than the men. 

The habitations of the Indians are low huts, denomina- 
tations.^^ ^ wigwams. One of these is erected with great expe- 

-dition, and consists of a pole in the centre, to which, as a 

covering, the bark of trees is attached. As they are so easily built, 
they are abandoned with little concern. 

As the Indians derive most of their subsistence from hunting and 
Their food, &c. hshing, agriculture is necessarily much neglected. They 

- cultivate, however, at intervals, maize, beans, pumpkins, 

and squashes. Indian com is an important article of their food; and 






OF AMERICA. 


18 


after being parched, pounded to a coarse meal, and moistened with wa¬ 
ter, is eaten when animal food cannot be procured, or the time is too 
limited to admit of more protracted cookery. Their domestic utensils 
are very few, and their construction extremely rude. Instruments made 
of bone or flint are their substitutes for knives; mats serve them for 
couches, and stone mortars are used for pounding their corn. Their 
ingenuity is principally exercised in the formation of their canoes. 
These arc usually made of trees, hollowed by fire, and require in their 
construction much patience and perseverance. 

The government of the Indians is a patriarchal confe¬ 
deracy. Every town or family, has a chief called a 

sachem. Several towns or families compose a tribe, of - 

which one of their number is their acknowledged head. The several 
tribes, composing a nation, have also a chief who presides over the 
whole. These rulers are indebted for the origin and continuance of 
their authority, to the opinion which their fellow-warriors have of their 
wisdom and integrity. They never execute their resolutions by force 
upon any of their people. Honour and esteem are their principal re¬ 
wards, as shame and contempt are their punishments. Their leaders 
and captains, in like manner, obtain their authority by the general opi¬ 
nion of their courage and conduct. Matters which regard a town or 
family merely, are settled by the chief and principal men of the town; 
those which regard a tribe, are regulated at a meeting or council of the 
chiefs, from the several towns ; and those which regard the whole na¬ 
tion, are determined in a national council composed of the chiefs of the 
tribe, attended by the head warriors and a number of chiefs from the 
towns, who are their counsellors. 

Among the aborigines, women are the slaves rather ^ 

, . 1 • , , 1 m, • Treatment of 

than the companions ot their husbands. 1 he matrimo- their females. 

nial contract is in reality a purchase, and as such is con- - 

sidered by the Indians. Their women are subjected to the perform¬ 
ance of the most servile offices : they till the ground, carry wood and 
water, and are beaten upon the slightest provocation. Some tribes, how¬ 
ever, are accustomed to consult their women in affairs of consequence 
and to give much heed to their opinions. 

The chief object of desire among the Indians is mi- Their moc-le of 
litary fame. The young Indian is taught betimes to hunt 

the deer and buffalo, and is rev/arded for his toils by the- 

approbation of the aged. When by these pursuits he has acquired har¬ 
dihood and activity, he employs his weapons against the enemies of his 
tribe. The implements of warfare are chiefly offensive, and consist 
of the bow and arrow, the hatchet, or tomahawk, clubs and spears of 
wood. Their defensive weapons are targets, made from the bark of 
trees and other similar substances. Revenge is the first principle which, 





14 


ABORIGINAL INHABITANTS 


is instilled into the breast of the American savage : the counsels of the 
aged, and the example of warriors, teach him that it is weakness to 
relent, and dishonour to forget. It is a maxim of Indian warfare seldom 
to give quarter; hut when captives arc taken, tortures almost incon¬ 
ceivable await them. Amidst all their sufferings, however, they calmly, 
and even triumphantly sing their death song, and disdain to manifest 
their agony by a cry or a groan. The Indian is, however, equally prompt 
to repay benefits, and is no less constant as a friend, than terrible as an 
enemy. 


Their money. 


The money current among the Indians, is small shells 
of various colours formed into beads, and strung on belts 
or in chains. These are denominated wampum, and arc likewise used 
in every treaty of alliance: each of the parties holds one of the extre¬ 
mities of the belt, and these extremities are composed of black beads, 
while white ones, })laced in the middle, signify that the parties are devoid 
of hatred or animosity. 

The medicinal knowledge of the Indians is confined to 
a few simple herbs; when these are found ineffectual, 
they apply to their sorcerers for relief; and as diseases 
are attributed to supernatural influence, a variety of superstitious rites 
are performed in order to eradicate them. 

The religion of the Indians is of the rudest kind. They 
Slifins! believe in the existence of a good and of an evil spirit. 


Medicinal 

knowledge 


-both of which they worship; the one from a desire to 

secure his favour, the other to deprecate his vengeance. There are 
among them many pretenders to a knowledge of futurity. The predic¬ 
tions of such arc listened to with attention, and regarded with implicit 
confidence. The Indians have no conception of an existence hereafter, 
entirely s[)iritual; but suppose that their departed friend inhabits a land 
where the sky is cloudless and serene; where the forests are stocked 
with game, and the rivers with fish. They give the first jilace in tlieir 
elysium to the bravest warriors, and to the hunters who have most 
distinguished themselves by exertions in the chase. Tlieir rites of bu- 
rial have a relation to their superstitions. It is customary to bury the 
hatchet and other implements of warfare in the grave of their former 
owner, together with venison, Indian corn, utensils of different kinds, 
and whatever else is deemed most desirable in their simple estimate 
of life.* 


* See Appendix A. 





EXPLANATION 


OF THE 

PLAN OF xlRMANOEMENT. 


In the exhibition here to be given of the history of America, the 
main object will be, to show the origin and progress of its present race 
of inhabitants ; more particularly, in whatever relates to the formation, 
first, of its colonial; second, of its republican government. Deriving our 
plan of arrangement from the organization of the human mind, which 
if it gives an equal attention to every thing, remembers nothing, we se¬ 
lect some points of time, with which we associate important events. 
We wish to take a full view of the state of the country, as it was at 
those several points of time ; to observe what places were then disco¬ 
vered and settled, and what names they then bore. History can never 
be read to advantage, unless its events are located. As “ airy no¬ 
thing” seems real, when the poet or novelist gives it a “ local habita¬ 
tion,” so the realities of history, without a local habitation, seem but as 
“ airy nothings.” 

But in the American history, more than in those of European coun¬ 
tries, some such plan is needed, because we have as yet nothing like a 
system of ancient geography ; and our history, particularly in its early 
parts, is continually mentioning places which the reader will not be able 
to find on any maps heretofore extant: nor indeed can we flatter our¬ 
selves, that our maps are so full as wholly to remedy this inconvenience, 
except as regards the history accompanying them. 

In searching for events by which to distinguish the several epochas, 
the question has been, what are those which mark most decisively the 
growth and establishment of the American republic. There are in every 
history, tales of high personal achievement, possessing a romantic in¬ 
terest in the imagination both of the writer and reader, which invests 
them with a glare of colouring that places them on the fore-ground of 
the picture, and makes them more easily remembered than any other; 
but these are seldom the passages on which the eye rests when search¬ 
ing for the events which mark the progress of a nation. Thus we 



16 


* ^ PLA^ OF ARRANGEMENT. 

date one epocha by the commencement of that series of patents and 
charters by which England, founding her cHiinf on the fancied right of 
discovery, gave the country to individuals or companies of her subjects. 
But this, although an event which makes no figure, yet as it respects the 
formation of colonial governments, was an important step. Looking for¬ 
ward to the establishment of the Union of independent states, Ve make 
this union, even in its incipient state, the grand object of regard, and en¬ 
deavour to note the main steps which mark the progress of the confe- 
deracy. But we wish to make thfe epochas embrace nearly an equal 
period of time, and events of first rate importance follow each other at 
no regular intervals. We have therefore found it one of our chief dif¬ 
ficulties to make these objects coincide : thus we wished to have made 
the meeting of the delegates from the several provinces at Albany, 
previous to the French war, the date of one of our epochas; but it would 
have been inconvenient on account of the maps. We therefoie, in 
some instances, mention another event in connexion with that by which 
we distinguish the epocha. 


DIVISION OF THE HISTORY 

(BY EPOCHAS) 

XNTO TBSr PARTS. 

PART I. 

COMPRISES THE EVENTS WHICH OCCURRED FROM THE 

DISCOVERY OF AMERICA BY COLUMBUS, 1492, 


TO THE 


First patent' 
granted by an 
English sove¬ 
reign to land 
in llie territo-, 


FIRST EFOCIIA OF THE HISTORY, 1578. 


' ry of the U.S. 
given by Q’n 
Elizabeth to 
Sir Hum- 
_ phreyGilbert 


N 


PART II. 

COMPRISES THE EVENTS WHICH OCCURRED FROM THE 

First patent ? FIRST EPOCIIA, 1578, Sove- 

granted by an J ^ ( reign, &,c. 

TO THE 

Landing of the Pilgruns ) (May-Flower, the first 

at Plymouth, after hav-> SECOND EPOCHA, lu2(). < written political com¬ 
ing framed, on board the ) ( pact of America. 


PART III. 

COMPRISES THE EVENTS WHICH OCCURRED PROM THE 
Landi/g of the^ SECOND 'EPOCHA, 1620, ^ Pilgrims, &c. 

TO THE 

Tlie commencement of) (Massachusetts, witli 

the confederacy, in tlie V THIRD EPOCHA, 1643. < New-Haven and Con- 
union of Plymouth and ) ( necticut. 


3 


I 




18 


DIVISION OF THE HISTORY, 


PART IV. 

V COMPRISES THE EVENTS WHICH OCCURRED FROM THE 
The commencement of| THIRD EPOCHA 5 1643, I the confederacy, &,c. 

TO THE 

Massachusetts receives ) i/?fko ^territories; eleven years 

a new charter, including > fourth EPOCH A, after Penn receives tlie 

' Maine and otlier large ) ( grant of Pennsylvania. 



PART V. 

COMPRISES THE EVENTS WHICH OCCURRED FROM THE 

Massachusetts receives j FOURTH EPOCHA, 1602 , I a new charter, &c. 

TO THE 

First settlement of) -iwoo (C^lethorpe seeks the 

Georgia made by Gen. > FIFTH EPOCHA, 1T33. < friendship of tlie Indian 
Oglethorpe and others. ) ( chiefs. 


PART VI. 

COMPRISES THE EVENTS WHICH OCCURRED FROM THE 
First settlement^ FIFTH EPOCHA, 1 /33, | of Georgia, &-c. 

TO THE 

• The close of the French ) ( ^lt)any, composed of de- 

war; nine years after the > SIXTH EPOCHA, 1 d 63. < legates from seven of the 
meeting of a Congress at ) ( colonies. 


« 


PART VII. 


COMPRISES THE EVENTS WHICH OCCURRED FROM THE 


Close of the I SIXTH EPOCHA, 1763,^ Frencn war, &:,c. 


The Declaration of In- 
dependence two years 1 
after the meeting of the J 
first Continental Con- J 


TO THE 


SEVENTH EPOCHA, 1776. 


< 


gress. The Declaration 
reported by a committee 
of five. 



DIVISION OF THE HISTORY. 


19 


PART vm. 

COMPRISES THE EVENTS WHICH OCCURRED FROM THE 
Thet)eclaration of I SEVENTH EPOCIIA, 177'6, | Independence, &c. 

TO THE 

Commencementof the ^ EIGHTH EPOCHA, 1789.^ Federal Government. 


FART IX. 

COMPRISES THE EVENTS WHICH OCCURRED FROM THE 

Commencement of the I EIGHTH EPOCHA^ 1789, | Federal Government. 

TO THE 

Purchase of^ NINTH EPOCHA, 1803. | Louisiana. 


PART X. 

COMPRISES THE EVENTS WHICH OCCURRED FROM THE 
Purchase of I NINTH EPOCHA, 1803, | Louisiana. 

TO THE 

The cession^ TENTH EPOCHA, 1819. | of Florida. 


The History is continued till the year 1826, the 
FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE 


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HISTORY 


OF THE 

OR 

REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


PART I. 

COMPRISES THE EVENTS WHICH OCCURRED FROM THE 
DISCOVERY OF AMERICA BY COLUMBUS, 1492, 

TO THE 

First patent') -j from Queen 

tiS'^E^giish [first epociia of the history, 1578. [iria‘ gu- 

govenunent J j bert. 


We have now taken a brief and necessarily imperfect view of the 
country as occupied by its aboriginal proprietors. We 

are soon to behold it usurped by the sovereigns of Eu- pretended 
^ J o ^ jjght of disco- 

rope, from the mere circumstance, that vessels sailing very. 

under their protection discovered it. The injustice of - 

this principle may be clearly seen by applying it on a smaller scale. 
What would be thought by a landholder among us, should his estate be 
demanded by a stranger, for the reason that he, not knowing before 
that any such land existed, had now, for the first time, discovered it! 
Yet, at one period, it seems to have been a principle acknowledged, by 
tacit consent, among the monarchs of Europe, that countries inhabited 
by savages should become the property of the discoverer. A ship 
sailing along a new coast, without once entering a creek or haven, ap¬ 
pears to have conferred a title as complete as those executed with all 
the formality of modern times. 





22 


HISTORY OF THE 


f 


Receives Bigotry and superstition sanctioned these unjust claims. 

Pope. Soon after the first voyage of Columbus, Pope Alexander 

-the sixth, a Spaniard by birth, granted to Ferdinand and 

Isabella of Spain, and their heirs and successors, all the countries inha¬ 
bited by infidels, which they had discovered, or should discover, west of 
a line drawn from pole to pole, at the distance of one hundred leagues 
west of the Azores; a similar grant being made to the Portuguese, of all 
their discoveries eastward from the same meridian. 

That human arrogance should ever have risen to such 
denSytohave ^ astonishing. There is, however, one 

prevailed. consoling reflection, which is, that the hand of a wise 
-Providence is, in these events, clearly discernible; over¬ 
ruling even the injustice of man to the fulfilment of its designs for the 
progressive improvement of the world. To this benevolent intent, it 
was doubtless necessary that the western continent should, in the ful¬ 
ness of time, be discovered and settled by a civilized people ; and these 
would not have braved the dangers of the ocean, and the hardships of a 
savage country, unless, from a previous belief, that they had a right to 
the territory which they should discover and settle. 

Many thousand years had elapsed since the creation of the-world, and 
the inhabitants of the eastern hemisphere were yet ignorant, that, on the 
face of the planet which they inhabited, was another continent of nearly 
equal extent. Nor did they become acquainted with this fact by any 
fortunate accident; but they owed its developement to the penetration 
and persevering efibrts of a mart as extraordinary as the discovery 
which he made. 

This was Christopher Columbus, a native of Genoa, 
Americrby Co- united a rare combination 

lumbus. of extraordinary qualities. He possessed a teeming ima- 

His character. gination, an ardent courage, a glowing zeal, and all those 
- energetic impulses of the soul which lead to high achieve¬ 
ment ; and, with these noble qualities, he combined judgment the most 
grave and solid; prudence and patience the most steady and unoffend¬ 
ing ; piety the most devout; and, above all, the most untiring perseve¬ 
rance ever manifested by man. The brightness of his character is the 
more apparent, from the darkness of the age in which he lived. Science 
was but just beginning to arouse from the long slumber of the middle 
ages. From the discovery of the magnetic needle, the mariner no 
longer kept cautiously along the shore, but, trusting to this guide 
steered his bark through trackless oceans, in search of unknown coun¬ 
tries. The Portuguese led the way in the progress of discovery. Co¬ 
lumbus married the daughter of one of the Portuguese discoverers, 
then deceased, whose widow, finding with what avidity her son-in-law 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


23 


sought such sources of information, gave to him all the cii-cumstances 
maps, charts, and nautical papers, which had belonged which led to the 
to her husband. Marco Polo, a \^netian, had travelled fjrnbus. 

to the east, and returned with glowing descriptions of Ca- - 

thay and the island of Cipango, called, generally, the East Indies, and 
now known to be China and Japan. The rotundity of the earth was a 
fact admitted by a few of the learned, and fully believed by Columbus, 
on the evidence of its figure, exhibited in eclipses of the moon. Hence, 
he believed that those rich countries, concerning which Marco Polo 
had inflamed his imagination, might be found by sailing west; and by 
a false estimate of their situation, he supposed they would be reached 
by sailing one half of the distance which it was necessary to go east in 
order to reach them. There might be intervening countries, and in 
this case he would be their discoverer ; and this, it seems, he sometimes 
believed, as he maintained that more land in the west was necessary 
to balance that in the east. His preponderating belief was, however, 
that by sailing west he should discover the East Indies, 
and thus open a passage to those rich countries whose 
trade had now become the great object of European en- voyage, 
terprise. This was, therefore, the popular object to hold 
up to those sovereign powers, on whom, as his own fortune was far too 
limited, he must depend for the means of undertaking the execution of 
his projected voyage, through the untravelled ocean, to the unknown 
regions of the west. 

Columbus believed that great advantages would accrue to the nation 
who should patronise his undertaking, and, with filial respect, first of¬ 
fered his services to his native state ; but had the morti¬ 
fication to find them rejected. He then applied succes¬ 
sively to JohnTI. of Portugal; through his brother Bar¬ 
tholomew, to Henry VH. of England ; and to Ferdinand 
and Isabella, king and queen of Spain. But none of these monarchs had 
sufficient reach of thought to comprehend the schemes of Columbus, or 
generosity to encourage them. His proposals had been twice rejected 
by the court of Spain, and he had spent seven years in a succession 
of mortifying repulses; yet his perseverance was still unsubdued, and 
he was preparing to follow his brother to England, when he was suddenly 

recalled by a mandate from Isabella. Of all the sove- ^ , 

1 • 11^® patronised 

reigns of Europe, this woman was the only one who could by Isabella of 

be moved with friendship for this great man, and to con- 
fidence in the success of his plan ; and, to the latest day ' 

of his life, he regarded her as the first and best of his friends. Not 
knowing how to raise the sum of money requisite for defraying the ex¬ 
penses of the voyage, the queen determined to sacrifice her jewels; but 
this was prevented by the extraordinary exertions of her ministers. It 


He makes un¬ 
successful at¬ 
tempts to obtain 
patronage. 






24 


HISTORY OF THE 


was under her patronage, that he had the honour of communicating to 
Europe, the intelligence of a new world. 

Columbus made his first voyage, the most interesting of 
any in the annals of navigation, in 1492, and discovered 
the first found land of the new world, on the eleventh of 


1492. 

His first voyage 


1493. 

His second. 

1498. 

Discovers the 
continent. 

1502. 

His last voyage. 


October. It was an island, called, by the natives, Guanahani; but to 
which he piously gave the name of San Salvador, the Holy Saviour. 
In the same voyage he discovered, besides several smaller islands, 
Cuba and Hispaniola; each of which, in their turn, he supposed to be 
the Cipango, mentioned by Marco Polo. In 1493, he 
sailed on a second voyage, and discovered the Caribee 
islands, to which he gave their present names. In his 
third voyage, 1498, he discovered the island of Trinidad, 
and the continent, at the mouth of the Oronoco. The 
Cabots, had, however, the year before, discovered the 
continent of North America. Columbus made his fourth, 
and last voyage, in 1502; discovered the southern shores 
of the Gulf of Mexico, and visited some of the West In¬ 
dia islands, where he was received in the most inhospitable manner, 
by those Spaniards who had already begun to improve the sources of 
wealth which he had opened to them. On his return, finding Isabella 
dead, and himself neglected, he sunk beneath his misfortunes and in- 
firmities, and died in 1506, in the 57th year of his age. 

^ After the discovery of America, by Columbus, under 

The priority of . r. , 

discovery claim- the auspices ot Spam, other individuals became jealous 
tionsf great honour which the Genoese navigator had ac- 

- quired, and other nations were desirous to share with 

Spain in the advantages of the discovery. Hence many attempts were 
made to show that the country had been previously discovered. Of 
By the Welsh, tfiese, the most conspicuous were those of the Welsh and 

- Norwegians. The Welsh brought forward the story of 

Madoc, son of Owen Gwynneth, who, in the 12th century, it was said, 
had sailed west, discovered a country, and afterwards conducted a co¬ 
lony thither, which was not heard of more. Suppose this story to be 
true, there exists no proof that the country found was America. Indeed 
there are circumstances which show that it was not so long a voyage 
which Madoc made ; but, probably, the region which he discovered was 
the Azores. 

The Norwegians having discovered Iceland and Green¬ 
land, during the ninth century, established colonies in 

-- those countries. Biron, or Biom, an Icelander, in a voy 

age^to Greenland, during the eleventh century, was driven southwest 
in a storm, and found a country, which, from its great number of vines, 
he called Vineland. The annearance of the sun. as described in the 


By the Norwe 
gians. 









REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


25 


account of his voyages, corresponding with that of latitude forty-nine, 
and the fruits which he mentioned, being found in those climates, this 
country is supposed to have been the island of Newfoundland, or the 
country about the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Hence, the Norwegians 
claim to have been, by several centuries, the earliest discoverers of 
America. But every thing relating to Vineland seems to have slept in 
forgetfulness, and these claims not to have been brought forward until 
after the discoveries of Columbus; the Genoese navigator must, there¬ 
fore, still stand forth as the discoverer of the new world. 

The names of John and Sebastian Cabot, father and son, should be 
remembered by the citizens of the Republic of America, with that of 
Columbus ; for they equally form the links which connect our history 
with that of Europe. Columbus, by his bold experiment, opened the 
way from the old to the new world; the Cabots, under the banner of 
England, following quickly in his train, first visited our shores, and 
erecting the standard of the power under which they sailed, fixed the 
government of Great Britain over this portion of the continent. 

John Cabot, a native of Venice, had, with his family, settled in Eng¬ 
land. He and his son were men of great learning, enterprise, and 
ability. By a commission granted them by Henry VH. 

dated, March 5th, 1496, (the oldest American state paper 
^ ^ , V , , , \ , , The Cabots ob- 

01 England,) they had authority to discover any heathen tain a commis- 

countries not before known to Christians ; they, defray- yjj Jf^^and^ 

ing the expenses of the voyage, were to possess these -- 

countries as the king’s lieutenants, paying him one-fifth 
of all the gains obtained by them. They sailed from 
England in May 1497, and in June, discovered the 1497, 

island of Newfoundland, which they called Prima Vista.- 

They soon after discovered a smaller island, which they called St. 
John, from its having been discovered on the day of John the Baptist. 
Steering westward, they made the first discovery of the 
continent, along which they coasted, keeping a north- 2ieTontfnent^5 
wardly course. Returning, they pursued a southerly di- America. 

rection, but historians differ as to the distance which they- 

proceeded. Some accounts say they sailed north as far as latitude 67 
degrees, and south to the Cape of Florida; while others suppose the 
forty-fifth and thirty-eighth degrees were the limits of their voyage. 
They returned to England without effecting any settlement. 

The Portuguese discovered the continent in 1499. 1499. 

Alonzo de Ojeda, who had accompanied Columbus in his The Portuguese 
first expedition, sailing under the patronage of several 
Portuguese merchants, discovered the coast at Paria; Americus Ves- 
and Americus Vespucius, a native of Florence, who ac- ** 

companied him, has become illustrious, as he obtained --— 

4 






26 


HISTORY OF THE 


1512. 

First Spanish 
discovery. 


1524. 

The French send 
Venazano who 
explores the 


1534. 

Cartier (French) 
makes discove¬ 
ries. 


the honour of giving his name to the new world, and thus monopolized 
the glory which was due to the genius of the great Columbus. He has 
been accused, by Spanish writers, of giving false dates to his writings, 
that he might establish a priority of discovery. 

The Spaniards made early discoveries of some parts 
of the continent. In 1512, John Ponce de Leon, an ad¬ 
venturer from Porto Rico, discovered the continent in 
30° 8' north latitude, and gave it the name of Florida. 

The French made no discoveries on the American 
coast till 1524. This year John Verrazano, under the 
patronage of Francis I. of France, explored the coast 
from 30° to 50° of north latitude,* * and examined Florida 
with considerable accuracy. 

In 1534, James Cartier was sent by the French king 
on a voyage of foreign discovery. He first came in 
sight of Cape Bonavista, the most eastern cape of the 
island of Newfoundland, but being prevented by the ice 

- from proceeding farther, he steered southwardly. As 

soon as the season would permit, he returned to the north, sailed be¬ 
tween Newfoundland and Labrador, and entered several commodious 
harbours ; but he found the climate so cold, and the country so uninviting, 
that he passed to the southwesterly side of the gulf, where he discovered 
a deep bay, which, from its contrast with those he had visited, he 
named Bay de Chaleur, (Bay of Heat.) Sailing eastwardly, he dis¬ 
covered the smaller bay of Gaspe, and took possession 
of the country for the king of France. He discovered, 
and entered on St. Lawrence’s day, the noble gulf which 
bears the name of that saint; but boisterous weather soon 
obliged him to return to France. In 1535, he sailed on 
a second voyage, entered the gulf of St. Lawrence, pro¬ 
ceeded up the river, to which he gave the same name, 
and anchored at an island, which, abounding in grapes, 

he named Bacchus Isle, now the Isle of Orleans. He 
continued his voyage to the island of Hochelaga, which he called Mon- 


Takes posses¬ 
sion of tlie coun¬ 
try. 

Discovers the 
gulf of St. Law¬ 
rence. 

1535. 

Makes a second 
voyage, and as¬ 
cends the St. 
Lawrence. 


* Others say he attained the 56 th degree, about the coast of Labrador, and gave the coun¬ 
try the name of New France. It appears Verrazano approached the coast, somewhere about 
latitude 37 ° north; that he retraced his course, and arrived in latitude 34 °, near Wilmington 
in North Carolina, where he anchored, and made a short abode on shore. It is difficult to 
determine the southern latitude he reached ; it has been conjectured that he sailed as far a» 
the southern part of Georgia. He then seems to have resumed his northern course, and to have 
sailed along the coast a hundred leagues, without making any harbour, when probably he 
touched at Sandy Hook. It is not absolutely certain what bays he entered, or what islands 
he coasted, as the description he gives of them may apply to those now belonging to New 
York or Rhode Island. Verrazano states that he visited the land, in times past, discovered 
by tlie Britons, in the SOtlr degree, viz.: Newfoundland. 






REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


27 


treal, and which was at this time the resort of all the Indians of the ad¬ 
joining country. He returned to Bacchus Isle, where he built a fort, 
and spent the winter. Many of his company having died of the scurvy, 
with which they suffered much, he returned, in the spring, to France, 
with the remainder. To the country he gave the name 
of New France :—it was also called Canada; but at 

what time, or whether from any significancy in the word, - 

is not known. 

In 1540, Francis de la Roque, lord of Roberval, being 1540 
created the king, lieutenant-general, and viceroy of Roberval sends 
Canada, fitted out several ships, and sent Cartier again ^ 

to this country. On his arrival he built a fort, which he jjg ^ 

called Charlebourg, about four leagues above the isle of - 

Orleans. Not receiving intelligence from Roberval, he resolved, the 
following spring, t5 return to France with the colony, and had arrived 
at Newfoundland, when he met Roberval with three ships, and two hun¬ 
dred persons destined to recruit the intended settlement 
in Canada. Cartier, however, continued his course to 
France, and Roberval proceeded up the St. Lawrence to 
the place which Cartier had just left, where he built a 
fort, and lingered through a tedious winter. The next 
year, 1542, he returned to France with the colony, and 
no farther attempts were made to settle Canada for more 
than fifty years. During this period the French, Spanish, 
and Portuguese enjoyed, without molestation, the fishery on the banks 
of Newfoundland. 

Six years after the discovery of the river St. Lawrence, occurred that 
of the Missisipi. In 1539, Ferdinand de Soto, a Spaniard, 
set out from Cuba in quest of gold, and with six hundred 
men landed in Florida, where he passed the first summer 
and winter. In the beginning of the year 1540, he be¬ 
gan his march to the northeast. According to the most- 

authentic accounts, he crossed the Altamaha, Savannah, and Ogechee 
rivers; then, changing his course, he took a western direction, crossed 
the Allegany mountains, within the thirty-fifth degree of latitude, then 
marching southerly, he went as far as Mobile and Pensacola. At the 
former place he fought a bloody battle with the Indians, who are spoken 
of as residing in walled towns, and having a numerous population. 
Thence penetrating northwardly De Soto remained among the Chicka- 
saws during the winter. In the spring, (1541,) he dis- 

covered the majestic Mississippi which he called the Rio , 

^ 440 discovers tne 

Grande. The place of its first discovery is supposed to Mississippi. 

be within the thirty-fourth degree, five or six hundred -- 

miles from its mouth. De Soto, still searching for the precious metals 


1541. 

Returns to 
France. 
Roberval re¬ 
cruits the set¬ 
tlement. 

1542. 

Itisagainbroken 

up. 


1539. 

Expedition of 
oto. 


de 


1540. 







28 


HISTORY OF THE 


1542. 

De Soto dies. 

1543. 

Expedition re¬ 
turns. 


1562. 

Colony of 
French Protes 
tants settle in 
Florida. 


of which the natives gave him accounts, but which seemed to fly before 
him, penetrated westward; and, in the spring of 1542, 
died upon Red River. The remnant of his army, having 
built themselves small boats, sailed down the Mississippi, 
and returned to Cuba, in 1543. 

From these various discoveries originated the opposite 

-claims of the several courts of Britain, France, and 

Spain, which eventually produced war, and occasioned much expense 
of blood and treasure. Of these nations, the French were the first that 
attempted to form settlements in that part of America whicJuis now in¬ 
cluded in the territory of the republic. 

The religious wars which distracted France, during the sixteenth cen¬ 
tury, induced Jasper Coligni, a distinguished statesman, and high ad¬ 
miral of France, to project the planting of a colony of protest8mts in 
America. Having obtained permissiofl of Charles IX. he 
sent out two ships with a colony, in 1562, giving the 
command to John Ribault. He first discovered the coast 
of Florida in latitude 30°, which he called Cape Fran- 

-cois, and sailing north he entered, on the first of May, a 

large river, which from that circumstance he called the River of May.* 
He discovered several others in that vicinity, and sailing up one, which 
he named Port Royal, he erected, on an island, a fort which he named 
Fort Charles, and leaving there the colony under Capt. Albert, return¬ 
ed to France. In consequence of the severity of Capt. Albert, the 
people mutinied, and he was slain. Being reduced to great distress 
for want of provision, they put to sea in a small vessel 
which they had constructed, and were taken up by an 
English ship, by which they were carried to England. 
Two years after, Laudonnier was dispatched to Florida 
with three ships. He arrived at the river of May, where 

-he built a fort which, in honour of the French king, he 

•named Carolina. From this circumstance the Carolinas took their 
name. In 1565, Ribault arrived a second time with seven ships and 
joined the colony at fort Carolina, where he was made governor. 

The Spaniards, who claimed the country by virtue of 
I discovery of Ponce de Leon, now became jealous 

th^SpSard's^ encroachments of the French, and sent over Pedro 

■-Melendes, who massacred Ribault and the whole com¬ 

pany, except Laudonnier, and a few others, who made their escape 
to France, Melendes took possession of the country, erected three 

* Supposed to be St. John river. Various and contradictory accounts are given respect¬ 
ing the rivers discovered by Ribault, and it is doubtful on which of them forts were subse¬ 
quently built. We follow the authority of Dr. Holmes, who supposes Fort Charles to have 
been built on St. Helena, or some island in its vicinity. 


They return. 

1564. 

Another settle¬ 
ment commen¬ 
ced. 






REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


29 


forts for its defence, and left them strongly garrisoned by Spanish 
soldiers. 

This act of the Spaniards passed unnoticed by the French govern¬ 
ment, but three years after, the Chevalier de Georges, a distinguished 
individual, fitted out an expedition at his own expense, 1568. 
and arriving in Florida, determined to revenge the death The Spaniards 
of his countrymen. He assaulted the Spaniards, and French 

having destroyed most of the garrison, rased their forts, -- 

and then re-embarking his troops, sailed for France. These unfor¬ 
tunate attempts, prevented either nation from making further settle¬ 
ments in Florida. 

Sir Humphrey Gilbert has been distinguished as the 
conductor of the first English colony to America. In 
1578, Queen Elizabeth, by letters patent, granted to 

this gentleman “ all such remote, heathen, and barbarous - 

lands,” as he should discover in North America, and of which he should 
take possession; these lands not having been before occupied by any 
other Christian power. She vested in him and his heirs the full right 
of property in the soil, and also the complete right of jurisdiction over 
those countries, and the seas adjoining them; declaring that all who 
should settle there should enjoy all the privileges of free citizens and 
natives of England; and finally, she prohibited all persons from attempt¬ 
ing to settle within two hundred leagues of any place which Sir Hum¬ 
phrey, or his associates, should have occupied for the space of six years. 
For these privileges, the patentee was to acknowledge the authority of 
the crown of England as supreme, and pay to the sovereign one fifth of 
all the gold and silver which should be obtained from these countries.* 


1578. 

The first English 
patent to lands 
in the U. States. 


Note.—Geographical notices are inserted at the close of the other periods, into which the 
nistory is divided: but as no European settlements were, at this date, (1578,) in existence, 
no materials for such an article are afforded. 


* See Appendix B. 




30 


HISTORY OF THE 


i 


PART II. 


COMPRISES THE EVENTS WHICH OCCURRED FROM THE 


First patent) 
granted by an J 


FIRST EPOCIIA, 


TO THE 

Landing of the Pilgrims ) t ) May-Flower, the first 

at Plymouth, after hav- > SECOND EPOCIIA, 1 D^O. /■ written political compact 
ing framed, on board the ) ) of America. 


-mhsQO'U"-- 

. SECTION I. 

Sir Humphrey Gilbert, on receiving his patent, bearing date 1578, 
began to collect associates, and to prepare for embarkation. His own 
character, and the zealous efforts of his brother-in-law, Walter Raleigh, 
procured him a sufficient number of followers. The first 
voyage which he attempted, ended disastrously. In the 
second, which was made in 1583, he entered the bay of 
St. John’s, in the island of Newfoundland, and in the 
name of Elizabeth, took possession of the country for 
two hundred leagues around. This established the claims of England 
to the fisheries of Newfoundland. On his return, the vessel in which 
Sir Humphrey embarked, was shipwrecked, and all on board perished. 

But the miscarriage of a scheme, in which Gilbert had 
lOoT. wasted his fortune, did not discourage Raleigh. He 

Patent granted , i i i i i i -i • , 

to Raleigh. adopted his brother s ideas; and applying to the queen, 

■-- with whom he was at this time a favourite, he procured 

a patent, 1584, with powers as ample as had been granted to Gilbert. 

The same year, hei despatched two small vessels, commanded by Ami- 

das and Barlow, to the American coast. They approached by the 

West Indies, and Gulf of Florida, and touched first at an 

He sends ships island in the inlet into Pamlico sound, and then at the 

coSr island of Roanoke, near Albemarle sound. In both these 

--islands they held some intercourse with the natives, but 

returned to England without effecting,a settlement. They gave such 


1583 . 

Sir H. Gilbert 
takes possession 
of Newfound¬ 
land. 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


31 


Country named 
Virginia. 


1585 . 


1586 - 

It is carried to 
England. 


splendid descriptions of the country, as induced the queen to give it 
the name of Virginia, as a memorial, that the happy dis- 
covery had been made under a virgin queen. ,This name 
soon became general throughout the coast. 

In 1585, Raleigh fitted out a squadron of seven ships 
under the command of Sir Richard Grenville, a man of 

honorable birth and distinguished courage. He followed - 

the course of Amidas and Barlow, touched at the same islands, and left 
a colony under Capt. Lane, at the island of Roanoake. The colonists 
were reduced to great distress for want of provisions, 
and the next year were carried to England by Sir Francis 
Drake, who was returning from a successful expedition 

against the Spaniards, in the West Indies. Soon after -- 

their departure, they were sought by a ship which had been sent by 
Raleigh, with supplies, and immediately after, by Sir. Richard Grenville; 
who, having sought in vain for the colony which he had planted, lefl 
fifteen of his crew to keep possession of the island, and returned to 
England. Of this small number nothing was afterwards heard. 

In 1587, Raleigh attempted the establishment of a 
colony of one hundred and fifty adventurers at the same 
island, under Capt. White; who, remaining but one 
month, returned to England to solicit supplies for the 
colonists. The attempts made by Raleigh for their re¬ 
lief were unsuccessful; and three years after, when they were sought 
by Capt. White, not a vestige of them remained. Appalled by the fate 
of his countrymen, and in danger of perishing,by famine, he returned 
to England, without leaving an English settler on the shores of America. 

In consequence of these unprofitable attempts to settle 
a colony in Virginia, Raleigh was easily induced to assign 
his right of property in that country, together with all the 
privilges contained in his patent, to a company of mer¬ 
chants in London. This company, satisfied with a paltry 
traffic with the natives, made no attempts to take possession of the 
country. 

In 1602, Bartholomew Gosnold, with thirty-tw'o men, 
sailed from Falmouth to the northern part of Virginia. 

He steered due west, and was the first English com¬ 
mander who reached this part of America, by this shorter- 

and more direct course. That part of the continent which he first 
discovered, was a promontory in Massachusetts bay, to which he gave 
the name of Cape Cod. Holding along the coast, as it stretches to¬ 
wards the southwest, he discovered two islands, one of which he named 
Martha’s Vineyard, and the other, Elizabeth Island. He determined 
to make a settlement on the western part of Elizabeth Island, and had 


1587 . 

A colony sent 
under Capt. 
White which is 
destroyed. 


1589 , 

Raleigh transfers 
his patent to the 
London com¬ 
pany. 


1602 . 

Voyage of Gos¬ 
nold. 







32 


HISTORY OF THE 


already commenced a fort and store-house; when, discontent arising 
among those who were to remain, he abandoned the attempt, and ar¬ 
rived in England, after a passage of five weeks, the quickest then 
known. 

In 1603, Henry IV. king of France, by letters patent, 
granted to the Sieur de Monts, the country called Acadia, 
extending from the 40th to the 46th degrees of north lati¬ 
tude, together with the sole jurisdiction over the same. 
The next year De Monts sailed from France, taking Sa¬ 
muel Champlain for his pilot, and having doubled Cape Sable, entered 
an extensive bay, which they called La Baye Francaise, (Bay of Fun- 
dy,) and on the eastern side of it, established the settlement of Port 
Royal. Proceeding to examine this bay, they discovered and named 
the rivers St. John and St. Croix, and sailed along the coast as far as 
Cape Cod. De Monts returned to Port Royal to perfect the settlement 
at that place, and then embarked for France. 

In 1606, James I. who succeeded Queen Elizabeth, 
1606 . divided that portion of North America, which lies between 
videl the^coim- thirty-fourth and forty-fifth degrees of north latitude, 
try. into two districts nearly equal. The southern part, or 

-first colony of Virginia, included between the 34th and 

41st degrees, he granted to the London company. The northern part, 
or second colony, included between the 38th and 45th degrees, he 
granted to the Plymouth company. By the same patent, the king au¬ 
thorized these companies to make settlements, provided they were not 
within one hundred miles of each other, and vested them with the right 
of property in land along the coast, fifty miles each way, and extending 
into the interior one hundred miles from the place of settlement. 

In consequence of these grants, the London and Plymouth companies 
prepared to take possession of the lands which had been assigned to 
them. The first vessel fitted out by the Plymouth company, in 1606, 
was taken by the Spaniards. In 1607, they sent out Ad¬ 
miral Rawley Gilbert, with a hundred planters, under 
Capt. George Popham, their president. They landed at 
the mouth of Kennebec river, where they built and forti¬ 
fied a storehouse ; but in two or three months, the ships 
returned to England, leaving only forty-five men. The 
sufferings of the Sagadahoc colony, under Capt. Popham, were, through 
the winter, very severe. They lost their storehouse by fire, and their 
president by death, and the next year returned to England, considering 
the country “ a cold, barren, mountainous desart,” where, in the quaint 
language of that period they declared, “ they found nothing but extreme 
extremities.” This was the first and only attempt to settle this part of 
the country, till 1620. 


1607 . 

The Plymouth 
company at¬ 
tempt a settle¬ 
ment at Kenne¬ 
bec. 


1603 . 

HenrylV. grants 
a patent to De 
Monts, who sails 
for America. 





REPUBLIC OF AxMERICA. 


33 


Thus, after a period of 110 years, from the time that Cabot discovered 
North America, and twenty-four years after Raleigh planted the first 
colony, there was not, in 1607, a single Englishman settled in America. 


SECTION II. 

In 1607, the London company sent out Capt. Christo- 
pher Newport, with three ship* and 105 men. Among 
these were some gentlemen of distinguished families, and 
several officers of reputation, who had carried arms 
during the reign of Elizabeth.. They sailed by the West 
Indies, and being driven north of Roanoke, by a storm, 
accidentally discovered the entrance of Chesapeake bay, the bounda¬ 
ries of which they named Cape Charles, and. Cape Henry. They 
stretched at once into that noble harbour, which receives the waters of 
the Powhattan or James, the Potomac, and Susquehannah rivers. 
Newport sailed up the Powhattan, to which he gave the name of* James 
river, in compliment to the sovereign under whose authority he acted : 
and here he chose a place of residence for the adventurers who were 
to settle in the country. They raised a few huts to protect them from 
the inclemency of the weather; and the council who were nominated 
by the king, and were to reside in America, opened their ^ ^ 

commissions, and entered iq)on their office. The infant at Jamestown. 

settlement was called Jamestown, an appellation which it- 

still retains, and though it has never risen to great wealth or distinction, 
it was the first of the English establishments in the new world, and has 
all the honour, among the American states, that antiquity can confer. 

The Indians, among whom the European adventurers . 

® Their sufferings, 

had settled, were not powertul, yet their tribes an-_ 

noyed the colony by their petty hostilities. To this was added a ca¬ 
lamity still more dreadful: the stock of provisions which they had 
brought with them from England, was nearly exhausted ; and what re¬ 
mained was of a quality so bad, that it was unfit to be eaten. The scanty 
allowance to which they were reduced, as well as the influence of a cli¬ 
mate .to which they were not habituated, gave rise to diseases, and quick¬ 
ened their virulence, so that the number of colonists gradually dimi- 
nished. In this exigence, they were relieved by Capt. Jolm Smith, a 
man more distinguished for talents and activity, than any other who 
figures in the early history of the colonies.* 

* III the original plan of this work, it was intended to give in tlie apjiendix a short accoum 
of Uie principal characters mentioned, but fearing that the volume would be swelled to an 

5 


1607 . 

The London 
company send a 
colony who dis¬ 
cover Chesa¬ 
peake bay. 





34 . 


HISTORY OF THE 


Immediately after the arrival of the settlers, and in consequence of 
the disagreements which had taken place during the voyage, this officer 
had been expelled from the council, though chosen by the king as one 
of its members; but such were his abilities and enterprising temper 
that he was now unanimously chosen to his seat, and invited to take a 
chief part in the administration. He fortified Jamestown, 

Captain Smith protect the colonists from the injuries of the sa- 

subdues the In- . 

dians. vages; he mareiied. in quest of those tribes which had 

- given most disturbance to the Europeans, and partly by 

force of arms, and partly by address and kindness to the natives, he 
put an end to hostilities, and procured from them the supply of provi¬ 
sions, of which the colony was so much in need. 

' In one of his excursions, while attempting to ascertain 

Is taken pri- i ° i 

soner. the Source oi the Chickahommy river, he was surprised 

- by a numerous body of Indians, and in making his es¬ 
cape from them, he sunk to the neck in a swamp, and was obliged to 
surrender. Though he knew well what a dreadful fate awaited the 
prisoners of savages, his presence of mind did not forsake him: he 
showed to those who had taken him captive, a mariner’s compass, and 
amused them with so many wonderful accounts of its virtues, as to fill 
them with an astonishment and veneration, which began to operate 
very powerfully in his favour. They led him, however, in triumph 
through various parts of the country, and conducted him at last to Pow- 
hattan, the most considerable sachem in that part of Virginia. There 
the doom of death having been pronounced, he was led to the place of 
, execution, and his head already placed on stones to re- 

His hfe IS saved . , , 

by Pocahontas, ceive the fatal blow, when, to the astonishment of the 

-^— assembled warriors, Pocahontas, the daughter of the 

sachem, and the child of his fondest affection, sprang through the 
crowd, flung herself upon the ground, placed her head upon the head 
of Capt. Smith, and by her entreaties and tears prevailed on her 
father to spare his life. The beneficence of his deliverer, whom the 
early writers dignify with the title of princess Pocahontas, did not ter¬ 
minate here. She soon after procured his liberty, and sent him, from 
time to time, seasonable presents of provisions. He arrived safely at 
Jamestown, after a captivity of seven weeks. When Smith returned 
to Jamestown, he found no more than thirty.eight persons within the 
walls. The spirits of the colony were broken, every individual was 
filled with despondency, and anxious to leave a country which seemed 
so inhospitable. He prevailed upon them, however, to remain till the 


inconvenient size, it has been omitted. The young reader is, hovi^ever, advised to refer fre¬ 
quently to his biographical dictionary. The » American Biography ” and the “ Universal 
Biography,” both contain sketches of the lives of persons distinguished in the history of 
America. 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


35 


1608 . 

Capt. Smitli ex¬ 
plores Chesa¬ 
peake bay. 


1609 . 

Hudson River 
discovered. 


.^ext year, when provisions arriving from England, abundance and con¬ 
tentment were happily restored. 

During the year 1608, Capt. Smith explored the 
Chesapeake bay to its head. His superior abilities ob¬ 
tained for him the presidency in the council, and by the 
wisdom and vigour of his government, he secured the 
confidence and obedience of the colony. 

In 1609, occurred the important discovery of a river, 
which has proved the finest for navigation of any in 
republican America; and under circumstances which, 

giving to two powers claims to its waters, and the adjoin- - 

ing country, became the occasion of subsequent wars. Henry Hudson, 
the discoverer, was an Englishman by birth, but was in the ‘service of 
the Dutch East India Company. He sailed from the Texel, for the 
purpose of discovering a northwest passage to India; but being unsuc¬ 
cessful, he coasted along the shores of Newfoundland, proceeded south 
as far as Chesapeake- and Delaware bays, then returning northward, 
he discovered and sailed up the broad and placid stream, which now 
bears his name. The next year, the Dutch sent ships ^to this river, 
to open a trade with the natives. The Court of England disowned 
their claim to the country; not that they denied the right of discovery, 
but they contended, that Hudson, being an English subject, the right 
belonged to them; whereas, the Dutch claimed it, because Hudson, 
when he discovered it, was sailing under their flag. 

While Hudson was engaged in discovering and exploring this river, 

at its mouth, events of interest were taking place near its source. 

In 1608, Champlain, under De Monts, conducted a co- 

lony to America, and founded Quebec. Wishing to 

^ . p, . . , Champlain 

secure the friendship of the natives ot that region, he founds Quebec. 

consented, the next year, to accompany them on an ex- -: 

pedition against the Iroquois, with whom they were at war. They en¬ 
tered upon the lake, which now bears, in honour of its discoverer, the 
name of Champlain, and traversed it until they approach- ' 
ed its junction with Lake St. Sacrament, now Lake 
George. Here, in the vicinity of Ticonderoga, a bloody 
engagement took place, in which Champlain and his ~ 

allies were victorious. 

In 1609, a new charter was granted to the London company, of a 
more liberal nature than the former. The company was incorporated 
by the name of “ the treasurer and company of adven- 1609 . 
turers and planters for the first colony of Virginia.” New Charter 
The lands, which before were conveyed only in trust, 
now ’ 


1609 . 

Discovers Lake 
Champlain. 


became their absolute property, and extended from 


the point of land called Point Comfort, two hundred miles each way 







36 


HISTORY OF THE 


along the coast, and throughout the land, from sea to sea. The affairs 
Change in go- of Virginia were to heji, managed by a governor and 
council, appointed by the company, but resident in tlie 

- colony. I 

Thomas West, otherwise called Lord De la War, was appointed 
governor for life. Not being able to leave England immediately, this 
nobleman despatched Sir Thomas Gates, and Sir George Summers, with 
nine ships and five hundred settlers. Eight of these vessels arrived at 
Jamestown. But the ships, in which Gates and Summers were em¬ 
barked, were separated from the rest, and cast ashore upon the Bermu- 
* das, or Summer islands, and as these gentlemen alone 

commissioned to act in the room of the governor, 

-^ none of those who had reached America, could produce 

any authority for undertaking the administration of the colony. At 
this time, Smith was unable to exert himself with his usual vigour. He 
lay burned and mangled by an explosion of gunpowder; and at length 
became so ill, that his friends judged it necessary to remove him to Eng¬ 
land. After his departure, all subordination and industry ceased among 
the colonists. The Indians, ever on the watch, harassed them with hos¬ 
tilities, and withheld their customary supplies. Their stores were soon 
exhausted. ,The domestic animals, which had been sent to breed in 
the country, were taken and devoured; and, in the extremity of their 
distress, the Europeans were- forced to subsist on the bodies of the 
Indians whom they had killed, or those of their countrymen, who had 
perished through sickness or fatigue. 

KJIO. With one voice, they resolved to quit the settlement. 

They embark and return to their native country. Nor did the arrival 
Summers and Gates, the following year, prevent them 

-from adhering to the resolution which they had formed. 

They embarked and sailed down the river, but they soon returned ; 
for, just as they had reached its mouth, they were happily met by Lord 
De la War, with three ships well supplied with every thing necessary 
for the defence, and benefit of the colony. Lord De la War gained 
the affection of the settlers, and accustomed them once more to subor¬ 
dination and discipline. The colony again became flourishing ; but in 
March, 1611, unfortunately, the governor’s health declined, and he was 
obliged to leave the country. George Percy, president of the colony 
of Virginia, was appointed by the council, in the place of Capt. John 
Smith, when he returned to England in 1609. On the departure of 
Lord De la War, Percy was again at the head of the administration, 
until the arrival of Sir Thomas Dale, in May. Dale had received from 
the company power to rule with martial law, which he exercised with 
such becoming moderation, that subordination and industry prevailet 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


37 


througliout the colony. The friendship of the English 1613 . 
was courted by the natives; and the Powhattan Indians Powhattans , ' 
declared themselves to be the subjects of Great Britain, wkh 
and took the name of Englishmen. - 

An event, which the early historians of Virginia, relate with peculiar 
satisfaction, prepared the way for this union. Pocahontas, the favourite 
daughter of the great chief Powhattan, to whose intercession Capt. Smith 
was indebted for his life, frequently visited their settlements, and was re¬ 
ceived with respectful hospitality. During this intercourse, her admi¬ 
rable qualities made such an impression on the'heart of 
Mr. Rolfe, a young man of rank in the colony, that he Pocahontas 
warmly solicited her to accept his hand. Pocahontas EngliSman. 

gave her consent. Dale encouraged the alliance, and -- 

Powhattan did not disapprove it. The marriage was celebrated with 
extraordinary pomp, and from that period, a friendly correspondence 
subsisted between the colony, and all the tribes subject to Powhattan, 
or that stood in awe of xiis power. Rolfe and his princess set out for 
England, where she was received by James and his queen wdtli the 
respect suited to her birth. She embraced the Christian religion, and 
was baptized by the name of Rebecca. She died on her return to 
America, leaving an only son, from whom are descended some of the 
most respectable families in Virginia, who boast of their descent from 
so excellent a woman, and from the race of the ancient rulers of their 
country. 

During the interval of peace, produced by this alliance The right of pro- 
with Powhattan," an important change was made in the SabliThed!'*^ 

state of the colony. * Hitherto, no right of property in -- 

land had been established; and it was computed that the united indus¬ 
try of the settlers did not accomplish as much labour in a week as might 
have been performed in a day, if each individual had laboured on his 
own account. To remedy this. Sir Thomas Dale divided a considera- 
ble portion of the land into small lots of three acres, and granted one 
of these to each individual in lull piopeny, and he was allowed a cer¬ 
tain portion of his time in the cultivation of it. Industry was excited 
by the hope of wealth, and improvements of every kind took place. 
Assignments of fifty acres were soon after made, and at last, the plan 
of working in a common field was entirely abandoned. Tobacco, as 
afTording the most certain return, was eagerly cultivated. 





38 


HISTORY OF THE 



SECTION HI. 


1613. 

Dutch settle¬ 
ments. 


In 1G13, the Dutch erected a fort, where Albany now 
stands, which they called Fort Orange, and built a few 
trading houses on the island of Manhattan. 


French settle- The French, having established themselves within the 
dia dLuoyS. limits of the northern colony of Virginia, which included 

- a part of the territory granted to De Monts, Capt. Argal 

was sent from Jamestown to dispossess them. He destroyed Port 
Royal, and all their settlements in Acadia, and returning, visited the 
Dutch, at Manhattan. He demanded possession*, in the name of the 
The Dutch sub- British government. The Dutch traders immediately 
iish^ffovSm”^ y acknowledged the supremacy of King James, and under 
that of the governor of Virginia. In 1014, the ex- 
1614. elusive trade of Hudson river was granted to the Dutch 

Threw off their ^ t ^ i • n 

allegiance. W est India Company. A remtorcement was sent to the 

-settlers at Manhattan, when they threw off the English 

yoke, asserted the rights of Holland, erected a fort, which they called 
Fort Amsterdam, and held the country, by the name of New Nether¬ 
lands.* 


Capt. Smith 
explores the 
coast which is 
named N. Eng¬ 
land. 


The Plymouth company, after the Sagadahoc settle¬ 
ment was relinquished, attempted nothing further for 
some time, than a few fishing voyages to Cape Cod, or 
a pitiful traffic with the natives, for skins and oil. One 

- of these vessels was commanded by Captain Smith, 

whose name has been often mentioned with distinction, in the history 
of Virginia. In 1614, he explored with accuracy that part of the Ame¬ 
rican coast which stretches from Penobscot river to Cape Cod. On" 


* The reinforcement mentioned, arrived from Holland in two ships, commanded by 
Aflrian Block and Hendrik Christiaanse. Block’s ship being accidently burned, he erected, 
on the shore of the river a small vessel, the first specimen of marine architecture superior to 
a canoe, which had probably ever been finished in this part of America. In this vessel 
Block sailed from the mouth of the Great River, for the purpose of exploring the coast, and 
making discoveries. He distinguished by the name of Helle-gadt rivier, the water flowing 
from Paggank to Helle-gadt, between Manhattan and Sewanhacky, or the Island of Shells, 
whose insular situation, he now, for the first time, determined. He examined the places in 
the Great Bay, and sailed to the coast which Hudson had named New Holland, and the 
English, Cape Cod. Here he met Christiaanse’s ship, and leaving his ill-constructed vessel, 
he embarked with him. After this arrangement, the two navigators proceeded together to 
examine the neighbouring coasts. The islands recognised by the Dutch, as Christiaanse 
island and Block island, were probably so named at this time. Christiaanse Eylandt was 
the name given to No-Man’s-Land, then called, by the English, Martha’s Vineyard. Block 
iSland retains its name. They discovered the bay of Nassau, and the Connecticout or Sick- 
agothe river, which, from its freshness, was named Yersche rivier. This river they also 
thoroughly explored. 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


39 


his return, he laid a map of it before Prince Charles, and painted the 
beauty and excellence of the country in such glowing colours, that the 
young prince, in the warmth of his admiration, declared it should be 
called New England ;—a name that eventually effaced that of Virginia, 
and by which it is still distinguished. Cape Ann was so called by the 
• prince, from respect to his mother. 

In 1617, Capt. Argal was appointed governor of Virginia; but he 
governed with so much rigour, as to excite universal discontent, and 
was soon recalled. He was succeeded by Sir George Yeardly, in 1619. 

The saihe year. Gov. Yeardly called the first general 1619. 
assembly which was held in Virginia, consisting of bur- The first general 
gesses, chosen from among the people, who were to act vTrgirfia^ 

conjointly with the governor and council appointed by - 

the company, in all matters of importance relating to the colony. The 
colonists, who, till then, had been nothing more than the servants of 
the company, were thus raised to the distinction and privileges of free¬ 
men. In this assembly, which met at Jamestown, eleven corporations 
were present by their representatives. v 

In order to attach the colonists more entirely to their 1620. 
new settlements, the company, about this time, sent a Young women 
considerable number of young women of humble birth, but the^tanterr 

of unexceptionable character, who were sold to the young- 

planters as wives. The price was. at first one hundred, and after¬ 
wards, one hundred and fifty pounds of tobacco. To fail of discharg¬ 
ing debts so incurred, was esteemed particularly dishonourable. 

About this time were introduced also into the colony, 
by order of King James, many idle and dissolute persons, sent to 

then in custody for their oflfences. They were dispersed the colonies. 

through the colony, and employed as labourers.- 

A Dutch ship from Africa arriving at Jamestown, a 
part of her cargo of negroes was purchased by the colony; commences. 

and these, rapidly increasing, the whole field-work in - 

Virginia, was, in a short time, performed by the hands of slaves. This 
is the commencement of slave-holding, in the southern states.^ 

Although King James had granted equal powers and privileges to 
the London and Plymouth companies, yet London possessed such supe¬ 
rior advantages of situation, commercial wealth, and Plymouth com- 
activity, that the adventurers of Plymouth fell far short cSsfu^^ unsuc- 

of those in London,^ in the vigour and success of their - 

efforts to accomplish their purpose of colonization. But what the exer¬ 
tions of the company were unable to accomplish, was effected by the 
fiesire of religious freedom; a principle which has had a chief share in 
the revolutions whicl^ have taken place in human affairs. 

When the light of the Reformation began to dawn upon England, 







40 


HISTORY OF THE 


those who opposed the extravagant doctrines, and absurd practices of 
the Romish Church, differed as to the degree of reformation to which 
they should proceed. Those, who, while they condemned its doctrines, 
thought it expedient to retain many of its imposing pomps and ceremo¬ 
nies, became, in time, the established party. Those who contended 
for what they considered that purity of sentiment, manners, and form 
of worship exhibited in the gospel, were called Dissenters, or Puritans. 
The persecution which they suffered, in consequence of their firm ad- 
.lerence to this belief, induced a body of them, under the Rev. John 
Robinson, to remove to Leyden, in Holland, in the begin- 
A body of Puri- of the seventeenth century. This situation proving, 

J. Robinson, 111 many respects, disagreeable, the new world presented 
forHolland!^^ itself to their thoughts, as a place where they might 

-form a society, in accordance with their own views, and 

transmit to their descendants the example of a church, unadulterated 
by human inventions. They endeavoured to obtain from King James, 
the promise of religious liberty, but were unsuccessful. At last, how¬ 
ever, in 1619, the Virginia company granted them a 
tract of land within its limits. - With the prospect of en¬ 
joying, under its protection, that freedom which they so 
earnestly sought, they returned to England to take their 
final departure. Plymouth was the last place of their 
native shores which they were ever to behold. Only 
one hundred and twenty persons, however, sailed on 
this arduous enterprize. They performed the voyage, in a single ship, 
called the Mayflower. Their place of destination w'as Hudson river, 
where they intended to settle ; but their captain, it is said, having been 
bribed in Holland, carried them north of Manhattan, that they might 
not disturb the Dutch at that place. 

, . ^ The first land in America which they made was Cape 

Arrive at Cape ^ i ^ 

Cod. Cod. Here, they were not only beyond the precincts of 

Sil compact ^ territory which had been granted to them, but beyond 

-those of the company, from which they derived their 

right. The season, however, was so far advanced, and sickness raged 
so violently among many, unaccustomed to the hardships of a long 
voyage, that it became necessary to takfe up their abode there. Being 
without the limits of their patent, as to civil government, they were in 
a state of nature. They therefore drew up a civil compact,* signed 
by forty-one persons, by which they severally bound themselves to be 
obedient to all the ordinances made by the body, and acknowledged the 
king of Great Britain to be their lawful sovereign. Mr. John Carver 
was appointed their governor. 


1619. 

They obtain a 
tract of land in 
America. 

1620. 

Sept. 0. 

They sail from 
England. 


See Appendix D. 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


41 


After exploring the coast, they chose for their station 

a place, to which they gave the name of New Plymouth, 

^ They commence 

probably out of respect to that company, within whose a settlement,and 

jurisdiction they found themselves situated ; or, as others 

say, after the last place from which they sailed. Fortu-- 

nately, for these wanderers, a desolating plague, which had prevailed 
among the natives, about three years before, had nearly depopulated 
the region where they settled; but they were in an uncultivated wil¬ 
derness, with no promise of support from their mother country, exposed 
to the inclement skies of a dreary winter, with scanty supplies of food, 
utterly unskilled, and destitute of the means, to cultivate a new coun¬ 
try ; with no security for future harvests, and surrounded with a savage 
enemy, with whose power they could not be fully acquainted. To add 
to these accumulated distresses, they were visited with a raging disease 
which, at times, consigned to the grave, two or three of their scanty 
number in a day. Their bodies were buried near the shore, and co¬ 
vered with level sods, that the diminution of their numbers might not 
be known to the Indians by the discovery of their graves. Among the 
numbers whom the sorrowful pilgrims thus mournfully deposited, was 
their well beloved governor, him to whom they looked as their head. 
They found, however, relief from an unexpected quarter. Massasoit, 
the benevolent sachem of the Pokanokets, voluntarily proffered them 
his alliance, and entered into a treaty of friendship with them, which 
he observed inviolate until his death. 

After the first desolating sickness, the people of Plymouth appear 
to have been healthy; the privations and sufferings, however, insepa¬ 
rable from their situation, were great. The most authentic historians 
affirm, that these pilgrims subsisted, in repeated instances, for days and 
weeks together, on shell-fish, and the wild nuts of the forests. 

On no part of the history of the United States, perhaps we may say 
of the world, does the eye of the philanthropist rest with more interest, 
than on the account of this little devoted band, now commonly spoken 
of under the touching appellation of the Pilgrims. They possessed a 
much higher cast of moral elevation, than any who had before sought 
the new world as a residence. The hope of gain was the motive of former 
settlers—the love of God, was theirs. In their character, and in their 
institutions, we behold the germ of that love of liberty, and those cor¬ 
rect views of the natural equality of man, which are now fully develo¬ 
ped in the American cSnstitution. 


6 



42 


HISTORY OF THE 


Geographical notices of the country, at the Second Epocha, or in 1620, 
the date of the Second Map.^ 

The only settlements at this period, within the present limits of the 
United States, were those of Jamestown, New-York, and Plymouth. 
The colony of Virginia contained about two thousand inhabitants. 
The Dutch had erected a fort near Albany, and had a fort and settle¬ 
ment at Manhattan. They were principally traders, and from the best 
accounts, their whole number could not have exceeded five hundred. 
Mr. Robinson’’s congregation at Plymouth, contained but an hundred 
and twenty persons; so that we may calculate the whole European 
population in the country, to have been about two thousand six hun¬ 
dred. In Virginia, the colonists had already commenced the culti¬ 
vation of tobacco, and considerable quantities were exported. We 
are informed that sassafras was also, at this period, an article of ex¬ 
portation. 


Catalogue of persons distinsuished in the American His- 
Year in which , ' , , , . , 

they died. tory, whose death occurred in the period previous to the 

- Second Epocha, 1620, 

1584. Humphrey Gilbert, a distinguished navigator, and 
the first Englishman to ^hom a patent m America was 
granted. 

1607. Bartholomew Gosnold, the first navigator who sailed 
directly across the Atlantic to the American coast. 

1611. Henry Hudson, the discoverer of the river which 
bears his name. 

1618. Thomas West, Lord De la War, governor of Virginia. 

* The first Epocha of this history, containing merely an account of the discovery of Ame¬ 
rica, and there being no settlements made at the date of the last Map, an account of the 
geography of the country, cannot of course be written. Efforts have been made to obtain a 
knowledge of the geography of the colonies, at the different periods of the history; but from 
the difficulties of obtaining accurate information, these accounts must necessarily be imper¬ 
fect, and perhaps, in some cases, erroneous. The authorities from which these accounts 
are principally taken, are Holmes’ American Annals, and in the last periods of the histoiy, 
the old edition of Morse’s Universal Geography, 



REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


43 


PART III. 


COMPRISES THE EVENTS WHICH OCCURRED FROM THE 


Landing of thej SECOND EPOCHA^ 1620^ | Pilgrims, &.c. 

TO THE 

The commencement of) r Massachusetts, with 

the confederacy, in the > THIRD EPOCHA, 1643. < New-Haven and Con- 

union of Plymouth and 5 ^ ^ necticnt. 




SECTION I. 


In November, 1620, the same month in which the Pu- 
ritans arrived on the American coast, James I. issued a 


. 1620. 

charter to the duke of Lenox, the marquisses of Buck- ^f Byu^uth.^*^ 
ingham and Hamilton, the earls of Arundel and War¬- 


wick. Sir Ferdinando Gorges, and thirty-four associates, styling them 
the “ Grand Council of Plymouth, for planting and governing New 
England, in America.” This patent granted them the territory be¬ 
tween the “ fortieth and forty-eighth degrees of north latitude, and ex¬ 
tending throughout the main land, from sea to sea.” The territory 
granted them, which had been previously called North Virginia, now 
received the name of New England, by royal authority. From this 
patent were derived all the subsequent grants, under which the New 
England colonies were settled. Although the same powers and privi¬ 
leges were granted to the council of Plymouth, which had been given 
to the Virginia company, yet nothing effectual was done by them to¬ 
wards colonization. Their territory must have remained unoccupied, 
if the same causes which occasioned the emigration of the Puritans, had 
not continued to operate, till they eventually planted other colonies 
within its limits. 

The settlers at New Plymouth, before their departure, 
connected themselves with a company of adventurers in 
England, to whom was reserved a share of their trading 
profits. This, however, was purchased by the colonists, 


Connection of 
the Plymouth 
colony with 
England. 




44 


HISTORY OF THE 


1621. 

Nova Scotia 
panted to Wil¬ 
liam Alexander. 


and the connection ceased, after seven years. In 1621, 
1621. obtained, from the Grand Council of Plymouth, a 

righfofsSr patent, granting them a right to the soil on which they 

-had established themselves, They continued, however, 

under the form of government which they had assumed, without pos¬ 
sessing the security of a royal charter. 

In 1621, King James granted to William Alexander, a 
Scotchman, a patent for the territory, “ bounded north, 
east, and south, by the river St. Lawrence and the ocean, 
and west, by the river St. Croix.” To this was then 
- given the present name of Nova Scotia, or New Scot¬ 
land. It was a part of the lands granted by the French king to De 
Monts, in 1603, and has since been the subject of contest between 
Great Britain and France. 

In 1621, Holland, desirous of establishing a colony in 
America, granted to the Dutch West India Company, the 
extensive territory on both sides of the Hudson, called 
New Netherlands. Its boundaries were indefinite, but 
were supposed by the company to include the Connecticut 
river on the east, and the Delaware on the south. 

The same year, the Grand Council of Plymouth, grant¬ 
ed to John Mason the lands from Naumkeag, (now Sa¬ 
lem,) to the Merrimac. This district was called Marianna. 

In 1622, they assigned to Sir Ferdinando Gorges, and 
John Mason, jointly, all the lands between the Merrimac 
and Sagadahoc, extending from the ocean, west to the 
rivers of Canada; and this district was called Laconia. 
The next year, they sent over a few persons, to esta¬ 
blish a colony and fishery at the river Piscataqua. They 
fixed a temporary residence, on the west side of this 
river, near its mouth. Two of the company erected a fish house, at 
the place of the present town of Dover. 

The Dutch, this year, began the defence of the country 
which they claimed, by erecting Fort Nassau, on the 
Delaware, or South river. 

The Virginia colony continued to enjoy great pros¬ 
perity. In 1621, Sir Francis Wyat arrived, as governor. 


1621. 

New Nether¬ 
lands granted to 
the Dutch W. I. 
company. 


Grant to Mason. 


1622. 

Grant to Gorges 
ffnd Mason. 


162.3. 

Settlement on 
the Piscataqua. 


The Dutch 
erect Fort Nas¬ 
sau. 


1621. 


VelvetacS’^ people, bringing from the company 

sions, and a per- in England, a more perfect and permanent constitution 
tion. ^ colony. The power of making laws and regula- 

- tions, was vested in the general assembly; but to the 

governor, was reserved a negative voice. No laws, however, could be 
enforced, until they had received the sanction of the general court of 










r 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


45 


the company in England. At the same time, the orders of the company 
were not binding upon the colony, without the sanction of their assembly, 

Tlie next year, this colony experienced a blow which 
had nearly proved fatal. Powhattan, the Indian chief, was 1622. 
dead, and was succeeded by his son, Opechancanough, 

who, with no small address, formed a conspiracy to mas-- 

sacre the English; and during four years, was concerting, with impene¬ 
trable secrecy, the means of perpetrating it. ^ To each tribe, its station 
was allotted; and the part it was to act, prescribed. On the 22d of 
March, 1622, at mid-day, they rushed upon the English, in all their 
settlements, and butchered men, women, and children, without pity or 
remorse. In one hour, nearly a fourth part of the whole colony was 
cut off. The slaughter would have been universal, if compassion, or a 
sense of duty, had not moved a converted Indian, to whom the secret 
was communicated, to reveal it to his master, on the night before the 
massacre. This was done in time to save Jamestown, and some adja¬ 
cent settlements, xi bloody war ensued; but the English, by their 
arms and discipline, were more than a match for the Indians, and they 
retaliated upon them in such a manner, as left the colony, for a long 
period, free from savage molestation. 

In 1624, the London company, which had settled Vir- 
ginia, was dissolved by King James, and its rights and 
privileges returned to the crown. The pretext for this 
act of James, was the calamities which had befallen the 
province, and the dissentions which had agitated the 

company. James appointed a council of twelve persons, - 

to take the temporary direction of affairs in Virginia, that he might 
have leisure to frame, with deliberate consideration, proper regulations 
for the permanent government of the colony. Pleased with such an 
opportunity of exercising his talents as a legislator, he began to turn his 
attention to the subject; but death prevented him from completing his 
plan. 

Charles I. who succeeded James, in 1625, adopted the opinions of 
his father, with regard to the American settlements ; and, during a great 
part of his reign, the colonists were deprived of all share in the go¬ 
vernment. 

In 1627, a number of Swedes and Fins, sent by Gus- 
tavus Adolphus, king of Sweden, landed at Cape Henlo- Settle on 

pen, which, from its beauty, they called Paradise Point, the Delaware, 
The river they called Swedeland Stream, and the country, J^utch. ’ ^ 

New Sweden. In 1629, the Dutch purchased a tract - 

of land, on the west side of the Delaware, near Cape Henlopen. This 
nation, as well as the Swedes, claiming the country, dissentions ,arose 
among those who afterwards settled there. 


1624. 

London compa¬ 
ny dissolved, 
and Virginia be¬ 
comes a royal 
province. 





46 


HISTORY OF THE 


Attempts to set¬ 
tle Mass.; in 
1628, a patent 
granted for that 
purpose. 


The tranquillity which the Puritans enjoyed at New Plymouth, and 
the sufterings, to which those who held the same opinions, were ex¬ 
posed in England, induced Mr. White, a dissenting minister of Dor- 
Chester, to form the design of planting a new colony, in that part of 
America, where his brethren were settled. Encouraged 
by him, as early as 1624, a few persons established them¬ 
selves, first at Cape Ann, and afterwards at Naumkeag. 
Their representations of the country, induced several 

-gentlemen of Dorchester, to obtain of the Grand Council 

of Plymouth, in 1628, a patent of that part of New-England, which lies 
between three miles nortli of the Merrimac river, and three miles to the 
south of Charles river, and extending from the Atlantic to the South sea. 
Through the influence of Mr. White, the grantees associated them¬ 
selves with a number of persons, who were desirous of finding an asy. 
lum for the enjoyment of religious liberty, who afterwards purchased 
the shares of most of the original proprietors. 

Salem settled. same year, Mr. John Endicot, one of the pur- 

—;- chasers, conducted one hundred planters to America. 

They settled at Naumkeag, to which they gave the name of Salem, ex¬ 
pressive of the peaceful asylum which it afforded them. This was the 
first permanent settlement in Massachusetts. 

1629 the proprietors obtained of King 

Charles, a charter confirming the patent of the council 
of Plymouth, and conveying to them powers of govern- 
ment. They were incorporated by the name of the 
“ Governor and Company of Massachusetts Bay, in New-England.” 
The first general court of the company was held in England, when 
they fixed upon a form of government for the colony, and appointed 
John Endicot governor. About three hundred persons sailed for Ame- 

, rica, during this year, a part of whom joined Mr. Endi- 

Charlestown ci i i , 

founded. cot at Salem, and the remainder, exploring tlie coast for 

-a better station, laid the foundation of Charlestown. 

Many gentlemen of distinction had formed the design of removing 
to New England, but foreseeing that difficulties would arise, from be¬ 
ing governed by persons at so great a distance, the com. 
pany, at their request, transferred the powers of their 
charter, to those members who should settle in New 
England. In consequence of this change, about fifteen 
hundred persons, during the year 1630, embarked for 
America. These laid the foundation of Boston, and 
other towns in its vicinity. By the royal charter, which 
had been transferred to them, they were empow'ered to 

- elect from among <^hemselves, annually, a governor. 

deputy-governor, and eighteen assistants; and to hold four general 


Royal charter 
granted to the 
Mass, company 


1629. 

Powers of gov’t, 
transferred toN. 
England. 

1630. 

Boston settled. 

Powers granted 
by charter. 







REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


47 


courts, every year, for the purpose of choosing officers, and making 
such laws and ordinances, as were necessary for the good of the colo¬ 
ny ; provided they were not repugnant to the laws of England. This 
charter, as well as the one granted to Virginia, conferred on the colo¬ 
nists, all the privileges of native Englishmen. 

The first general court of the colony was held at Bos- 1631. 
ton, in 1631, at which time John Winthrop was elected First court held 

1 rr.1 T-w 11 1 at Boston. 

governor, and Ihomas Dudley, deputy-governor. ■ _ 

In 1629, John Wheelright, and other planters in Massachusetts, pur¬ 
chased of the Indians, a tract of land between the rivers Piscataqua 
and Merrimac. The same year, John Mason procured of the Grand 
Council of Plymouth, a grant of that part of the territory which had, in 
1622, been granted to Mason and Gorges, lying between 1629. 

the Merrimac and Piscataqua, and extending sixty miles New Hampshire 
^ ^ granted to Ma- 

from the sea. It included the whole of Wheelright’s son and others. 

purchase, and was called New Hampshire. Smaller- 

portions of this territory were afterwards granted to adventurers, and 

thus, the history of the first attempts to settle this state, is perplexed 

by the interfering claims of these different proprietors. 

The first permanent settlements in Maine, were made 

at Kittery and York, about the year 1630. 

In 1630, Charles I. granted to Sir Robert Heath, all 

the territory between 30° and 36° of north latitude ; and 

extending from the Atlantic ocean to the South sea, by 

the name of Carolina. Under this grant no settlement was made. 


1630. 

First settlement 
of Maine. 

Carolina grant¬ 
ed. 


SECTION II. 

In 1631, William Clayborne obtained from Charles I. 

a license to traffic in those parts of America, for which ^ , Doi. 

, p ... Colony planted 

there was not already a patent granted for similar pur- on Kent island. 

poses. Clayborne planted a colony in Kent island in- 

Chesapeake bay, opposite to where Annapolis now stands. 

About the same time George Calvert, (Lord Baltimore) a distin¬ 
guished Roman Catholic, having ascertained that the 1632. 

territory on both sides of the Chesapeake was inhabited Maryland grant- 
. - 1 1 1 • 1 . 1 edtoLordBal- 

only by the natives, formed the design of planting there timore. 

a colony. He had made a voyage to Virginia, intending - 

to settle there, that he might enjoy undisturbed, the rights of conscience j 

but here persecution followed him, and he found it necessary to seek 







48 


HISTORY OF THE 


1634. 

A settlement is 
commenced, 
and the colony 
flourishes. 


elsewhere an asylum. He explored the country, and obtained from 
Charles a ^rant of territory on the Chesapeake, which, in honour of 
Henrietta Maria, daughter of Henry the Great, of France, he named 
Maryland. He died at London, 1632, before his grant was fully com¬ 
pleted, and his son Cecil obtained the grant intended for his father. 
By this patent, he held the country, from the Potomac to the 40th 
degree of north latitude ; and thus, by a mere act of the crown, what had 
long before been granted to Virginia, was taken away from her, as what 
was now granted to Lord Baltimore, was subsequently given to Penn, 
to the extent of a whole degree. Hence, long and obstinate alterca¬ 
tions arose between the descendants of Penn and Lord Baltimore. 
Cecil appointed his brother Leonard Calvert, governor, who, with 
two hundred emigrants, sailed for America, near the close of 1633, 
and arrived at the Potomac early in 1634. Here they 
purchased of the natives, Yamaco, one of their settle¬ 
ments, to which he gave the name of St. Mary. He 
secured, by this pacific course, comfortable habitations, 

- some improved lands, and the friendship of the natives. 

Other circumstances served to increase the prosperity of the colony. 
The country was pleasant, great religious freedom existed, and a libe¬ 
ral charter had been granted, which allowed the proprietor, aided by 
the freemen, to pass laws, without reserving to the crown the right of 
rejecting them. Emigrants accordingly soon flocked to the province 
from the other colonies, and from England. 

In 1633, the first house was erected in Connecticut. A party froirr 
the Plymouth colony, having been invited by the natives, sailed to the 
river Connecticut, carrying with them materials for a house. The 
Dutch, at New Netherlands, having anticipated their 
design, had just erected a fort, which they called Good 
Hope, on the spot where Hartford now stands. As the 
Plymouth adventurers approached, the Dutch forbade 
them to proceed; but the commander, disregarding their 
threats, proceeded to the place, afterwards called Windsor, where he 
erected a trading house. 

As the settlements in Massachusetts had become numerous, and had 
already extended more than thirty miles from Boston, it became im- 

1634 practicable for all the freemen to attend the general 
Government of court. This led to an innovation which altered the con- 
chmJed^Xc^^^^ stitution of the government from a sim'ple to a representa- 

-!_ tive democracy. It was made lawful for “ the freemen 

of every town to choose two or three of their own number, to confer 
of, and prepare such public business, as by them shall be thought fit to 
consider of at the next general courtand it was ordained, that these 
persons should have the full power and voices of all the freemen, for 
whom they were chosen, to act. An exception was, however, made in 


1633. 

First house 
erected in Con¬ 
necticut. 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


49 


the case of election to offices, in which eveiy freeman was, as hereto, 
fore, to give his own vote. For this purpose, the whole body of free¬ 
men met once a year, to hold the court of election. Besides this, three 
other general courts were holden in a year, by the representatives, 
which number was, however, soon limited. For many years, none but 
church members were allowed the privileges of freemen. The power 
of calling courts of justice, not being granted by charter, it was assumed 
by the colonists; referring, however, in certain cases, a final decision 
to the general court. The Mosaic laws were made the basis of their 
criminal code. 

The oppressive government, under which England continued to suf¬ 
fer, caused an increase of emigration to the colony of Massachusetts. 
During the year 1635, about 3000 persons arrived, among 
whom were Hugh Peters and Henry Vane. These per- , 
sons, during the supremacy of Cromwell, were distin- Massachusetts, 
guished on a more conspicuous theatre. Mr. Vane, by -—^- 


an afiectation of superior wisdom and piety, soon became the favourite 
of the people; and the next year after his arrival, he was made go¬ 
vernor of the colony. 

In 1634, the king placed the government of the colo- 1634 

Commissioners 
appointed over 


the colonies. 


ized, besides assuming the control of several affairs, 
which, by charter, had been left with the colonists, to do 
whatever they should judge necessary, “ for the wholesome govern, 
ment and protection of the colonies, and the people therein abiding.” 
This arbitrary commission had reference principally to New England; 
for, at this early period, a complaint was made of Massachusetts, that 
she wished for independence, that she had extended her limits beyond 
what her charter prescribed, and had been intolerant in matters of reli- 
gion. The appointment of a governor general over the 
New England colonies was threatened. The people, 
greatly alarmed, at once resolved to oppose this measure. 

Sir Fe’rdinando Gorges was to have been the first go¬ 
vernor, but the ship, intended to bring him to New Eng-- 

land, fell to pieces in launching, which frustrated the design. The 
numerous emigrations to America became displeasing to the British go¬ 
vernment, and one of the first acts of the commissioners 
appointed over the colonies, was an edict to prevent “ the 
promiscuous and disorderly departure, out of the realm, 
to America.” 

The next year, the Grand Council of Plymouth sur¬ 
rendered their charter to the crown; assigning, as the 
principal reason, that Massachusetts had extended her 
limits beyond what was prescribed by charter; and had 


An attempt is 
)nade to esta¬ 
blish a general 
government in 
New England. 


Emigration from 
Great Britain 
prohibited. 


1635. 

Charter of the 
council of Ply¬ 
mouth, is surreii- 
dered. 






50 


fflSTORY OF THE 


1635. 

Fort Saybrook 
erected. 


Windsor and 

Wethersfield 

settled. 


made herself independent of them in civil, as well as ecclesiastical 
affairs. They, therefore, deemed it necessary for the king ‘‘ to take 
the whole business into his own hands.” 

In 1631, Lords Say and Seal, Lord Brook, and others, 

T. had obtained of the earl of Warwick, who held his right 

Patent fo'Conn. ° 

granted. from the Grand Council of Plymouth, a patent of that 

- part of New England, which extends “ from Narragan- 

sett river, 120 miles on a straight line, near the shore, towards the 
southwest, as the coast lies toward Virginia, and within that breadth, 
from the Atlantic ocean to the South sea.” This is the original patent 
for Connecticut. In 1635, John Winthrop, son of Gov. Winthrop, ar¬ 
rived with a commission from the patentees, to erect a fort at the mouth 
of Connecticut river. A few days after, a Dutch vessel, which was sent 
from the New Netherlands, appeared off the harbour to take posses¬ 
sion of its entrance. The English having, by this time, 
mounted two pieces of cannon, prevented the landing of 
the Dutch, and proceeded to erect the fort, which they 
called Fort Saybrook. 

In 1635, a number of adventurers from Watertown, in 
Massachusetts, repaired to the Connecticut, and began 
the settlement of Wethersfield, at a place, called by the 
natives, Pyquag. At the same time, a party from Dorchester began 
a plantation on the river, at Windsor, where the Plymouth trading 
house had been erected. A controversy arose, in consequence of this, 
between the people of Plymouth and Dorchester, which was amicably 
settled; the Dorchester colony purchasing the lands, and proceeding 
with the settlement. 

In 1636, Hartford was first settled. The settlements in Massachu¬ 
setts had now become so numerous, that it was judged expedient for a 
part of the inhabitants to seek a new residence. Induced by the re¬ 
presentations of the fertility of the lands, on Connecticut river, the con 
gregation at Newtown, Mass, (afterwards Cambridge,) with the excel¬ 
lent Mr. Hooker, their pastor, obtained permission of the general court 
1636 remove thither. In June they took their departure, 

Hartford settled. and after a journey of twelve days, through a dreary and 
- trackless wilderness, arrived on the banks of the Con¬ 
necticut river. Here, they purchased of the natives, a tract of land, 
called Sukeag, but to which they gave the- name of Hartford, where 
they succeeded in effecting a settlement. The settlements at Hart- 

First govern- Wethersfield, were at first governed 

meiitofConn. by persons, denominated magistrates, acting under a 
~~~ commission from the legislature of Massachusetts, and 
being, on important occasions assisted by committees from the several 
towns. 







REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


51 


1638. 

Harvard College 
established. 


The king, after receiving the patent of the Grand 1535 
Council of Plymoutli, the same year, granted to Sir Fer- Grant made to 
dinando Gorges, one of the original patentees, the lands Gorges. 

• lying between the rivers Sagadahock and Piscataqua. 

In 1636, the Rev. Roger Williams commenced the settlement of the 
present state of Rhode Island. He had been banished from the colony 
of Massachusetts, in consequence of the liberality of his religious opi¬ 
nions. A number of his society accompanied him in his 
exile. Directing their march towards the south, they ^eulment 
purchased from the natives a tract of ^land, where they of Rhode island. 

fixed their permanent habitation. To this place, Wil- -—- 

liams, piously ascribing their good fortune to the superintending care 
of God, gave the name of Providence. To the first settlers of Rhode 
Island, is due the praise of having been the first of the colonists who 
understood and practised the principles of religious toleration. 

In 1637, a public school was founded at Newtown, (Mass.) Cam- 
bridge, in England, being the place where many of the first settlers had 
received their education, the name of Newtown, was the 
next year, changed by the legislature, to that of Cambridge; 
and the school, established there in honour of its earliest 
benefactor, received the appellation of Harvard College. 

This year occurred in the colonies a remarkable ex¬ 
ample, of what the love of power and distinction may 
effect, with a pious, but credulous and superstitious people, 
when, operating in its worst form, it impiously assumes 

to act from direct communication with Heaven, and un- - 

der the immediate dictation of supernatural power. Mrs. Ann Hutch¬ 
inson, an intriguing and ambitious woman, the wife of a respectable 
gentleman of Boston, had the address, by the propagation of certain 
opinions, to raise herself, for a time, to great consequence, and set the 
whole of the New England colonies in a religious ferment; arraying 
against each other, their most learned statesmen, and most pious 
divines. Her peculiar opinions were, that the elect, to whom her fol¬ 
lowers, of course, belonged, were under a covenant of grace, of which 
they were assured, by certain internal revelations; purity of life, in 
obedience to the divine commands, being, according to her creed, by 
no means necessary, as an evidence of acceptance with God. Those 
who denied this pernicious dogma, she inveighed against, as relying on 
a covenant of works ; and she made no scruple of publicly denouncing 
as such, most of the ministers and magistrates of the colony. Among 
her followers were ranked, Mr. Cotton and Mr. Wheelwright, two dis¬ 
tinguished divines, and the hypocritical Vane, then governor of Massa¬ 
chusetts, but who was afterwards, in consequence of adherence to her 
opinions, banished from the colony. 


1637 . ( 

Theological dis¬ 
turbance excited 
by Mrs. Hutch¬ 
inson. 






52 


HISTORY OF THE 


So violent were the animosities kindled by this woman’s inflammatory 
discourses, that it became necessary to call, for the first 
time, a geneml synod. The venerable Hooker, re- 
_ _ crossing the desert, from Hartford, was one of its mode¬ 
rators ; and the pious Davenport, afterwards leader of the colony, at 
New Haven, arrived from England, just in time to assist in its delibe¬ 
rations. The synod, proceeding with fasting and prayer, at length 
condemned the doctrines of Mrs. Hutchinson and her followers; and 
enumerated eighty-two of her opinions as false and heretical. As she 
continued, however, to propagate them, with increased zeal, the church, 
in Boston, pronounced sentence of excommunication against her. She 
removed with her husband, first to Rhode Island, and afterwards, being 
then a widow, to the Dutch settlements, west of New Haven, where, 
with her family, she was massacred by the Indians. These theological 
disputes, however unfortunate they might seem, conft’ibuted, under the 
direction of Providence, by scattering the settlers, to the speedy popula¬ 
tion of America, and the more rapid advancement of civilization, over 
the wilderness of the new world. ^ 



SECTION III. 

The same year, 1637, is distinguished in the history' 
of New England, by a war with the Pequods. This na¬ 
tion, alarmed by the rapid progress of the whites, propo¬ 
sed to the Narragansetts, to whom they had long been 
hostile, that they should unite against their common ene¬ 
my. The Narragansetts, instead of acceding to their 
proposal, communicated it to the colonists, and united with them against 
the Pequods. Exasperated at this conduct, the Pequods, immediately 
began to devise plans for destroying the English. They plundered 
and burned remote villages, and surprised and scalped the unprotected. 
The colonists were obliged to go armed to their daily labours, and to 
public worship. n • 

The different colonies had agreed to unite against them, each fur¬ 
nishing a quota of troops, in proportion to their number. Those from 
Coimecticut soon assembled, under Capt. Mason; sailed from Say- 
orook to Narragansett bay, and marched through the friendly country 
of the Narragansetts, many of whom joined them, on their route to fort 
Mystic, where the enemy were posted. They appiwached unperceived, 
and after a terrible assault, set fire to the fort, and surrounding it, the 


1637. 

War with the 
Pequods, which 
ends in their ex¬ 
tinction as a na¬ 
tion. 




. REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


53 


women and children perished in the flames; and the warriors, in at¬ 
tempting to escape, met a fate not less cruel, from the hands of the 
Narragansetts. 

After the junction of the troops from Massachusetts, the ^English, 
resolving to pursue their victory, hunted the Indians from one retreat 
to another. Subsequent encounters were not less fatal to them, than 
the action at fort Mystic. The great Pequod sachem, Sassacus, and 
his warriors, were so panic struck with the loss of Mystic, that, burn¬ 
ing their wigwams and royal fortress, they fled towards Hudson river. 
They were pursued as far as a great swamp, in the present town of 
Fairfield, where another action ensued, in which the natives were en¬ 
tirely vanquished. In less than three months, the race of Pequods was 
extirpated. A few took refuge among the neighbouring tribes, but they 
lost their name as a distinct nation. > » 

The vigorous efforts of the colonists, in this decisive campaign, filled 

all the surrounding tribes of Indians, with such a high opinion of their 

valour, as secured a long tranquillity to all their settle- , 

® ^ Violent proceed- 

ments; while, at the same time, the violence of the ad- ing of the Eng- 

ministration in England, continued to increase their Sfles 

population and strength, by forcing many to seek, in the - 

new world, an exemption from oppressipn. The number of these emi¬ 
grants, again attracted the attention of the English government, and a 
proclamation was issued, prohibiting the departure of several ships, 
which were ready to sail for New England. Fatally, for the king, this 
prohibition operated, in one instance, with full effect. Oliver Cromwell, 
and some others, to enjoy that civil and religious liberty, which was 
denied them in England, had formed a plan of passing over to New 
England, but were prevented, by this proclamation of the king. Charles 
little suspected, that he was thus forcibly detaining the men, destined 
to overturn his throne, and bring him to the scaffold. 

The same year, an order was sent to Massachusetts, requiring the 
surrender of her chai'ter. This was refused by the general court of the 
colony, and a petition presented, requesting a continuance of the privi¬ 
leges, which it granted them. The increasing disputes, between the 
king and parliament, probably, prevented their further attention to this 
subject, and thus the charter was saved. ' 

The same year with the expedition against the Pe¬ 
quods, commenced the settlement of the colony of New 
Haven. The Rev. John Davenport, Theophilus Eaton, 
and others, arriving at Boston, and not finding sufficient 

accommodation in Massachusetts, Mr. Eaton, with a part - 

of the company, explored the coast to the southwest, and fixed upon a 
place for settlement called Quininpiack, where they remained during 


1637. 

First settlement 
of N. Haven, by 
Davenport, Ea¬ 
ton, and others. 




54 


HISTORY OF THE 


the winter. The following spring, they were joined by Mr. Davenport, 
with the remainder of the company. Soon after their arrival, a day 
was set apart for religious exercises, after which, the free planters as¬ 
sembled in a large barn, and subscribed what they termed, a plantation 
covenant, solemnly binding themselves, “ until otherwise ordered, to 
be governed in all things of civil, as well as religious concerns, by the 
rules which the Scriptures held forth to them.” Under this covenant, 
1639 continued until the next year, when they formed 

Its government, themselves into a body politic, and established a form of 

- government. The governor and magistrates, were to be 

elected by such of their number, as w'ere church members, and were to 
hold, annually, a general court, to regulate the affairs of the colony. 
Theophilus Eaton was chosen their first governor. To the place where 
they settled, which they held by purchase from the natives, they gave 
the name of New Haven, and it became the capital of the colony of 
the same name. 


Among those who were banished from Massachusetts, 

1638. in consequence of Mrs. Hutchinson’s opinions, was Wil- 

wnim^nctrihe" Coddington, a gentleman of education, great virtue, 

settlement of the and natural dignity of character. He had been for seve- 

island of Rhode , . r i i 

Island. ral years, a magistrate ot the Massachusetts government. 

- In 1638, Mr. Coddington, with a few others, removed to 

Narragansett bay, and commenced the settlement of the island of Rhode 

Island. Tliese planters immediately united in a civil compact, and 

created Mr. Coddington chief magistrate, and delegated to him the 

necessary powers of government. By the friendly assistance of Mr. 

Williams, Mr. Coddington purchased the island of the Indians, and in 

consequence of its pleasantness and fertility, in a few years, it became 

a flourishing settlement: and from the same cause, being compared to 

the beautiful island of Rhodes, its Indian appellation of Aquetneck, 

was exchanged for that of Rhode Island. 

The same year, Mr. Wheelwright, who was a relath-ie 
Exeter, in New of Mrs. Hutchinson, having adopted her sentiments, was 
fo^efe?*^^’ obliged to leave the colony of Massachusetts. He took 
- a course, opposite to the other exiles, and advancing to¬ 
wards the north, founded the town of Exeter, on a small river, flowing 
into the Piscataqua, within the limits of the lands which he purchased 
of the natives, in 1629. The colony of Massachusetts Bay, claimed 
jurisdiction over this settlement, as occupying lands situated witliin the 
limits of their grant. Gorges and Mason, asserted the rights conveyed 
to them as proprietors, by their charter. In several districts, the plant- 
ers, without regarding the pretensions of either party, governed them¬ 
selves by maxims and laws, copied from the adjacent colonies. 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


55 


Settlement of 
Saybrook. 


First representa¬ 
tives, called in 
the Plymouth 
colony. 


1639 . 

House of assem¬ 
bly established 
in Maryland. 


In 1639, the crown granted to Sir Ferdinando Gorges, 
a charter, confirming the grant previously made to him, charmr^gninted 
of the lands between the rivers Sagadahock and Pisca- to Gorges, 
taqua, now called the Province of Maine, and investing ' 
him with powers of government. That which he instituted, proved im¬ 
politic, and the colony did not flourish. 

Mr. George Fenwick, with his family, came from Eng¬ 
land, as agent for the patentees of Connecticut, and laid 
the foundation of the town of Saybrook. 

The Plymoutli colony, which had continued slowly to 
increase, in 1639, for the first time, called a house of 
representatives ; all the freemen having, previous to this 
period, assembled to decide upon the aflairs of the colony. 

A similar change, also took place in the government 
of Maryland. The burgesses, elected by the people, as¬ 
sembled, with persons appointed by the proprietor, and 
constituted a “ house of assembly.” 

The Virginians, until this time, had continued under 
the regulations of the king, whose arbitrary measures veVnment of Va. 

were particularly felt, during the administration of Sir - 

John Harvey, whom, in 1636, he appointed governor. The colonists 
rose in opposition to his authority, made him prisoner, and sent him to 
England. Charles, highly offended at their conduct, restored him to 
his office, with more ample powers than before. Great dissatisfaction 
continued to prevail, till the king, by an extraordinary deviation from 
his usual conduct, instructed Sir William Berkley, whom 
he made governor, in 1639, to allow the representatives 
of the people, again to sit, in conjunction with the royal 
governor, and council, in deciding upon the business of 

the colony. Charles thus suddenly altered his conduct - 

towards the colonies, from his rising fears, with respect to his own per¬ 
sonal security. Already obnoxious to his people, he feared that his 
unpopularity with the parliament, which was about to convene, would 
be increased by complaints from the colonists, unless he redressed 
their grievances. 

This year, the emigrants at Hartford, Windsor, and Wethersfield, 
finding themselves without the limits of the patent of Massachusetts, 
adopted a constitution for the government of their colony, to which they 
gave the name of Connecticut, the Indian appellation of the beautiful 
river on whose banks they were located. 

The same year, the first printing office introduced into America, was 
established at Cambridge. if40 

In 1640, the New Haven colony made settlements on the 
Delaware, which in 1642, were broken up by the Dutch, the Delaware. 


1639 . 

Charles restores 
the people to a 
share ia the go¬ 
vernment. 








56 


HISTORY OF THE 


1641. 

N. Hampshire 
incorporated 
with Mass. 

1642. 

Indian war in 
Maryland. 


' In 1641, the little independent settlements in New 
Hampshire, were, for greater security, incorporated with 
Massachusetts. 

In 1642, Clayborne, the evil genius of Maryland, en- 

raged at the increasing power of the Marylanders, and 

fearful of his own destruction, intrigued with the savages, 

and occasioned the colonists an Indian war, which lasted 

several years, but was at length ended by the submission of the natives. 

Clayborne fled from justice, and his estate was confiscated. 

In New England, four distinct colonies were now set- 

1643. tied, and their governments formed. Besides these, the 

ment oTth^Tom plantation at Saybrook remained independent of the go- 

federacy, by the verumciit of these colonies, under the direction of Mr. 
union of the tour 

colonies of N. E. Feiiwick. These four colonies, Massaciiusetts, Plymouth, 


- Connecticut, and New Haven, finding, from their dis¬ 
persed situation, and their individual weakness, that they were pecu¬ 
liarly exposed to the assaults of their enemies, and in danger of mutual 
collisions, now entertained thoughts of a general confederation, for their 
common protection, and mutual benefit. This important object having 
been some years in agitation, in May, 1643, commissioners from the 
respective colonies, completed and signed the articles of confedera¬ 
tion.* This confederacy, they styled “ The United Colonies of New 
England.^^ Each colony appointed two commissioners, who met an¬ 
nually, in one of the four colonies, by rotation, where all objects of 
common interest were considered and determined. Rhode Island, pe¬ 
titioning to be admitted into this confederacy, was absolutely refused, 
unless, by acknowledging the jurisdiction of Plymouth, it should cease 
to be a separate colony; a condition to which it would not submit, and 
therefore remained independent. The confederacy, which continued 
more than forty years, was of the greatest advantage to the colonies, 
as it maintained internal peace, and rendered them formidable to the 
Indian tribes, to their neighbours, the Dutch, and, in a degree, to the 
French in Canada. This was taking the first step, in the formation of 
the grand confederacy of the United States, or Republic of America. 


Geographical notices of the country at the third epocha, or in 1643, the 
date of the third Map, 6pc. 

The settlements in New England rapidly extended, and the colonies 
of Plymouth, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Haven, were 
formed. Settlements were also commenced in Rhode Island, New 


* See Apjiendix E. 






REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


57 


Hampshire, and Maine. The colony of Massachusetts was divided 
into four counties, Essex, Middlesex, Suffolk, and Norfolk. Fifty 
towns were now settled in New England. Among the principal of these 
were Plymouth, Boston, Cambridge, and Salem, in Massachusetts; 
Hartford, Saybrook, and New Haven, in Connecticut; Providence, in 
Rhode Island; and Portsmouth and Dover, in New Hampshire. .Har¬ 
vard University'- was founded, and a printing press established in 
Cambridge. 

The inhabitants already turned their attention to manufactures, some 
mills were erected, and in Rowley, in Massachusetts, an attempt was 
made at spinning cotton and manufacturing cloth, the first attempt of 
the kind in North America. 

Ships, of from one to four hundred tons, had been built, and five of 
them were already at sea. Commerce was carried on with Plngland 
and the West India islands. Furs, which were purchased from the 
natives, were exported. 

The products of the country were Indian corn, rye, hemp, and flax. 

The number of colonists who had arrived in New England, since the 
landing of the first settlers, was estimated at 21,000, some of these, 
however, had returned to England, so that the exact population, at this 
time, is not known. 

A small settlement had been made in Maryland, and another in Dela¬ 
ware. The Dutch had extended their settlements around New-York, 
and had erected a fort at Albany. It is not probable, from the best 
accounts, that the whole population of the New Netherlands exceeded 
one thousand. The settlenients in Virginia had not increased during 
this period. 


Catalogue of eminent men who died daring the period extending from 


1620 to 1643. 


Year in which 
they died. 


Samuel Argal, a celebrated navigator, and governor 


of Virginia. Uncertain. 

Francis Wyatt, governor of Virginia. Uncertain. 

John Carver, first governor of Plymouth colony. 1621. 

George Yeardly, governor of Virginia. 1626. 

John Smith, a man of great talents and enterprise, 
and founder of the colony of Virginia. 1631. 

John Harvard, founder of Harvard College. 1638. 


8 


58 


fflSTORY OF THE 



^ '■ /; X., ■ 

PART lY. 


COMPRISES THE EVENTS^WHICH OCCURRED PROM THE 
The commenceinent of ^ TinjRD EPOCH Aj 1043^ | the confederacy, &-c- 


TO THE 


Massachusetts receives ) -a ^territories; eleven yeari 

a new cheirter, including > FOURTH EPOCHA^- 103^. \ after Penn receives the 
Maine and other large ^ ^ grant of Pennsylvania. 


/'i ' 




SECTION I. 


In 1643 Roger Williams was sent to England as agent for the 
Rhode Island and Providence plantations, to obtain a charter of civil 
government. He found the affairs of the colonies in the hands of the 
earl of Warwick, and seventeen commissioners, who had 
Rho^fldjmdob been' appointed by parliament, with much the same 
tains a charter, powers, as had been given to those appointed by the 
king, in 1634. By the assistance of Mr. Vane, the 
former governor of Massachusetts, now one of the commissioners, he 
obtained from them a free charter of incorporation, dated March, 
1644. The form of government, provided by this incorporation, was 
essentially similar to that established in the adjacent colonies. Mr. 
Williams lived to a great age, and was chosen governor several times. 

In 1644, Mr. Fenwick', as agent of the patentees, as- 
Conn.ptchases general court of'Connecticut, for seven 

Saybrook. thousand dollars, the fort at Saybrook, and all the right 

-- conferred by the patent, from the Plymouth company in 

England. This settlement then became part of that 
colony. 

1645. When the civil war between the king and parliament 

MSyiaS*” began, Clayborne espoused the cause of the latter; and 

-— in 1645 he returned to Maryland, where he had sufficient 

influence to raise an insurrection, and comnel Gov. Calvert to fly to 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


59 


Battle between 
the Dutch and 
Indians. 


1C50. 

First settlement 
in Carolina. 


Virginia for safety, while he and his associates usurped the govern¬ 
ment. The rebellion was, however, quelled the next year, and quiet 
restored. 

In 1646, an obstinate battle was fought between the 1646. 
Dutch and Indians, in that part of Horseneck, in the 
present town of Greenwich, Conn., called Strickland’s 
plains. Great numbers were killed on both sides, but 
the Dutch were eventually victorious. 

The first settlements in Carolina, were begun about 
this time, by planters from Virginia, and emigrants from 
other places, who, fleeing from religious intolerance, 
commenced a settlement on Chowan river, north of Al- 
bemarle sound. Among them were many Quakers. This settlement, 
falling within the Carolina grant, the proprietors claimed jurisdiction 
over it, and authorized Berkley, governor of Virginia, to take it under 
his protection and government. 

In 1649, the tract of country between the Rappahan¬ 
nock and Potomac, which had been included in the ori¬ 
ginal patent, to Virginia, was regranted to Lords Berk¬ 
ley, Culpepper, and others. 

In 1650, the Dutch governor, at New Netherlands, 
met commissioners from the New England colonies, at 
New Haven, to settle mutual complaints, and interfering 

claims to the country. An adjustment was made, and a -— 

line of partition between their respective territories was fixed.^ The 
Dutch relinquished all claims to Connecticut, excepting such lands as 
they already occupied. Long Island was divided between them. 
While the commissioners were in session, two French gentlemen were 
sent as agents from Canada, to obtain aid against the Six Nations, 
which, however, the colonists declined giving. 

After the settlement of the Dutch claims, the people of New Haven 
attempted again to establish themselves on the Delaware, but were 
prevented by the Dutch. 

In 1651, the Dutch built a fort at Newcastle. John 
Printz, then governor of the Swedish settlements, on the 
Delaware, considering it witlhn the Swedish dominions, 
formally protested against it. The succeeding Swedish 
governor made the fort a visit, under pretence of friend- 
ship to the commander, when ho, with a number of his subjects, treach¬ 
erously took possession of it, while enjoying its hospitality. 

The conflict between the king and parliament, which shook the go¬ 
vernment of England, had its various influence on her contest in Eng- 

colonies, in America, according to their religious and affects the 
^ ... colonies, 

political sentiments. Parliament, having obtained the -;-- 


1649. 

Part of Virginia 
regranted. 


1650. 

Line of partition 
between the 
Dutch andConn, 


1651. 

Swedish gover¬ 
nor takes the 
Dutch fort on the 
Delaware. 








GO 


HISTORY OF THE 


Government 
surrendered to 
parliament. 


1651. 

Va. submits to 
parliament. 


supremacy, the New England colonies, who, during the contest, nad 
espoused its cause, were favoured, in return; while the southern colo¬ 
nies were viewed with suspicion. Commissioners were appointed, in 
1651, for the purpose of “ reducing and governing the 
CivUw^rlii Colonies, within , the bay of Chesapeake.” This gave 
Maryland. rise to a civil war between the Catholics, who adhered 

- to tlie proprietor ; and the pfotestants, who espoused the 

cause of parliament. Calvert, the governor and proprietor, was at 
first allowed to retain his station, on consenting to acknowledge the 
authority of parliament; but he was unable to preserve peace. He, 
and the party to whom he was attached, were obliged, in 1652, to sur¬ 
render the government into the hands of parliament. 
In an assembly, under the victorious party, it was de¬ 
clared that no Catholic should have the protection of the 
laws. Quakers and Episcopalians were also persecuted. 

Parliament, irritated at the conduct of the Virginians, 
who, during the civil war in England, had been faithful 
to the royal cause, sent a fleet, in 1651, to reduce them 
-^— to submission. Berkley, the governor, imprudently pre¬ 
pared to oppose this force, but found himself obliged to submit. He, 
however, remained in the country beloved and respected. 

, The New England colonies, whose religious and poli- 
N. E. favoured . . • . , . . , , ^ 

by parliament, tical sentiments coincided with those of the popular 

- leaders in parliament, continued to be distinguished by 

peculiar privileges. They were exempted from all taxes, and no re¬ 
strictions were laid upon their commerce. For these favours, the 
colonists applauded the measures of parliament, prayed for the success 
of its arms, and framed regulations to prevent any exertions in favour 
of the king. Thus, the parties which convulsed Great Britain, imd 
brought Charles to the scaffold, in 1649, did not expire with him; and 
when Cromwell usurped the supreme command, in 1653, the Puritans 
in America stood higli in his estimation. 

The year 1653 was one of peculiar alarm and expense to the United 
Colonies of New England. The Dutch at New Netherlands, who had 
been hostile to tliem, made no satisfaction for former injuries, and 
1653 Ihough they did not coimnit open hostilities, yet there 
Difficulties with reasons to suppose that they endeavoured to insti- 

the Dutch. gate the Narragansett Indians to destroy the New Eng. 

land colonies. The commissioners of the colonies met., 
and despatched agents to the Dutch governor, to expostulate with him 
on these unfriendly measures; but the agents returning unsatisfied, the 
commissioners met again, and determined upon a war with the Narra- 
gansetts. Massachusetts alleged that the war was unjust, and refused 
to raise her quota of troops. The other colonies, not only felt unable 







REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


61 


to prosecute the contest, without the aid of Massachusetts, but consi- 
dered that she had violated the articles of confederation. Dispute betweep 
by withholding it. Under the influence of these feelings, the United Colo- 

Connecticut and New Haven sent an account of their - 

wants and grievances to Cromwell and the })arliament. Troops were 
furnished from England, and a request sent, that Massachusetts would 
afford all necessary assistance. This was so far acceded to that five 
hundred men were allowed to be raised in the colony. The following 
year, however, before the arrival of the troops sent by parliament, 
peace was restored between England and Holland, and, 
with it, harmony between the United Colonies and with 
the Dutch at New Netherlands. 

After the Swedes had treacherously taken possession 
of the Dutch fort, they occupied the country on both 
sides of the Delaware, until 1655, when Stuyvesant, 
having obtained assistance from Holland, conquered all 
their posts, and transported most of the Swedes to Europe. 

In 1656, occurred an insurrection in Maryland, headed 
by Josias Feudal, a man of restless intrigue, who caused 
much disturbance to the province. Two years after, he 

was, by the commission of parliament, appointed go- - 

vernor, but his intriguing disposition still manifested itself, and prevented 
the restoration of public quiet. 

About this time several Quakers arrived at Massachusetts, who being 
peculiarly offensive to the inhabitants, were much per¬ 
secuted. A law vvas passed, prohibiting Quakers from ^Ited^nMaS. 

entering tlie colony; they were deprived of their rights - 

as freemen ; they were fined and imprisoned, and some who returned 
to the colony, after having been banished, were punished with death. 
These unjust and impolitic prohibitions were afterwards repealed.* 


Peace restored. 


1655. 

Dutch conquer 
the Swedes. 


1656. 

Fendal’s insur¬ 
rection in Mary¬ 
land. 


* “ While the Quakers were suffering the rigid penalties of the law, the general court of 
Massachusetts passed tlie Sumptuary Law. By this law, ‘ no person, whose visible estate 
did not exceed the sum of two hundred pounds, should wear any gold or silver lace, or gold 
or silver buttons, or any fine lace above two shillings per yard, or silk hoods or scarves, 
under the penalty of ten shillings for every offence.’ The law authorized and required the 
selectmen of each town, ‘ to take notice of the apparel of any of the inhabitants, and to assess 
such persons as they shall judge to exceed their rank and abilities, in the costliness or fashion 
of their apparel, in any respect, especially in wearing ribbons and great boots, at two hun¬ 
dred pounds estates, according to the proportion which such men used to pay, to whom 
such apparel is suitable and allowed.’ An exception was made in favour of public officers 
and their families, and of those, whose educations and employmen‘s have been above tlio 
ordinary degrees, or whose estates have been considerable, though now decayed.” 







G2 


HISTORY OF THE 


SECTION 11. 


1660 . 
Charles II. re¬ 
stored. 


In 1658 Cromwell died; and, after an interval of two 
years, Charles II. was restored to his throne, from which 
he had been excluded. This was an event by no means 

- agreeable to the settlers in New England. They had 

been fostered under the care of Cromwell and the parliament, and re¬ 
garded the restoration of monarchy in England, as a blight upon their 
republican institutions and religious liberties. 

The inhabitants of Virginia, when they submitted to the authority of 
parliament, in 1651, were promised a continuance of their former pri¬ 
vileges. The commissioners of parliament appointed a governor, in 
1652, but from that period until the restoration, the* people, receiving 
no further instructions from them, were left to govern themselves. 

. The house of burgesses assembled, and declared that, till 

Virginia, during " 

the common- they should receive orders from England, the supreme 
^^rsdf.’ power of Virginia rested with them. In 1658, they 

- called Berkley from his retirement, and again made him 

governor of the colony. The Virginians, however, sincerely rejoiced 
in the restoration of Charles II, and long boasted that, as they were tlie 
At the restora- last of the king’s subjects who renounced their alle¬ 
giance, so they were'the first to return to their duty. 
Berkley was soon after appointed governor by the king. 

In 1662, the government of Maryland was restored to 
the proprietor. 

Previous to the restoration of Charles II., but in the 
same year, 1660, Goffe and Whalley, two of the com¬ 
missioners appointed for the trial of the king, and who 
had signed the warrant for his execution, arrived at Boston, where they 
were courteously received by Gov. Endicot and the principal citizens, 
and resided at Cambridge, in a situation, retired, but not secreted. In 
1661, the intelligence reached them, that several of the regicides had 
been condemned and executed in England ; and that they were not in¬ 
cluded in the act of pardon. They then removed to New Haven, and 
were, for a time, secreted by the principal inhabitants. Meanwhile, 
royal mandates were issued for the apprehension of the regicides ; but 
it has been said, that the officers sent on the service, were not very nice 
in their scrutiny. At length, two English mercliants were commis¬ 
sioned to go through the colonies, as far as Manhattan, in search of 
them ; when the harassed judges secreted tliemselves in various places, 
and at last, in a singular natural cave, on West Rock, near New Ha¬ 
ven, where they continued some time, and were provided with subsist. 


tion, submits to 
the crown. 

1662 . 

Md. restored to 
its proprietor. 

Regicide judges, 
Goffe and Whal- 

ley. 






REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


03 


ence by their friends. In 1664, they removed to Hadley, in Massa¬ 
chusetts, where they remained concealed for years, in the house of the 
Rev. Mr. Russell. Gen. Goffe had married a daughter of Gen. Whal- 
ley, and was equally attached to his father-in-law, from principle and 
from their family connexion. During his residence here, it is said, he 
corresponded with his wife, under the signature of Walter Goldsmith. 

When the Indians attacked Hadley, in 1675, and threw the inhabitants, 
who were assembled for worship, into the utmost confusion, Gen. Goffe, 
entirely unknown by them, white with age and confinement, of a com¬ 
manding aspect, and clothed in an unusual dress, suddenly presented 
himself among them, and encouraging them by his exhortations, placed 
himself at their head, and led them, by his military skill, to immediate 
victory. The battle had scarcely terminated, when he disappeared; 
and the people, alike ignorant of the place from whence he came, and 
to which he retired, regarded him as an angel sent for their deliverance. 
After the death of Whalley, which it is supposed happened at Hadley, 
about the year 1679, Gofie travelled southward, and no certain infor¬ 
mation of him has been obtained.* 

In 1661, a settlement was made in Carolina, near the 
mouth of Clarendon, on Cape Fear river, by adventurers 
from Massachusetts. They abandoned it in 1663, and 

in 1665, their place was supplied by emigrants from Bar- - 

badoes. A separate government was here established, and Sir John 
Yeamans invested with the authority of governor. 

In 1662, a mint was established at Boston. The same 
year, the Connecticut colony applied to Charles II. for 
a charter of incorporation ; which was granted, confirm¬ 
ing, in every particular, the constitution which the people 

had adopted, and conferring on them all the privileges-— 

of English subjects. It included New Haven, but the union being at 
first, utterly disagreeable to that colony, it was not effected till 1665. 
In 1663, Rhode Island obtained a similar charter. 

In 1663, the king granted to Lord Clarendon, and 
others, the same territory, lying between 30° and 36° of 
north latitude, which had been before granted to Sir 
Robert Heath; who, by not having made settlements, had 
forfeited the conditions of his patent. Clarendon received 


1661. 

Settlement made 
in Carolina. 


1662. 

Charles II. 
grants a charter 
to Conn.: 1663, 
to R. Island. 


1663. 

Carolina grant¬ 
ed to Lord Clar¬ 
endon, which in¬ 
terferes with 
Spanish claims. 


the same powers of government, over those who should settle in the 
country, as had been given to Lord Baltimore, the proprietor of Mary- 


* The remains of Whalley were discovered in 1794, by a Mr. Gaylord, who was prepa¬ 
ring to build, on the spot where Mr. Russell’s house stood. The body was buried in a sort 
of tomb, formed with mason work, and covered with flags of hewn stone, just without the 
cellar wall of Mr. Russell’s house. How affecting must have been the scene, when, proba¬ 
bly, the venerable Russel, his wife, and the bereaved Goffe, descended, at dead of night, to 
lay the body of their friend, in this subterranean grave! 





G4 


HISTORY OF THE 


land. Two years after, a second charter was granted, extending the 
limits of the first, to the twenty-ninth and thirty-first and a half degrees, 
and from the sea coast to the Pacific ocean. The Spaniards claimed 
a large portion of this country, which they called Florida; but, by a 
treaty between Great Britain and Spain,'in 1G67, they"* were supposed 
to have relinquished this claim. The settlers at Albemarle sound, 
though within the limits of this patent, were allowed to retain their 


lands. 

1664. Charles, aware of the evil of having a Dutch colony 

Grant made by American dominions, denied their right 

Charles 11. to the , • i i i • i j 

Duke of Vork. to that portion of the country, which they claimed, and 

-- determined to dispossess them. He, therefore, in 1664, 

made a grant of the whole country, extending from Delaware bay to 


Nova Scotia, to his brother, then duke of York and Albany ; the same, 
who, under the title of James II. succeeded, at his death, to the crown of 
England. Although at peace with Holland, Charles determined to send 
troops, to put him in possession of the country, and an expedition was 
soon fitted out, commanded by Colonel Richard Nichols. He arrived 
at Boston, and soon after proceeded to Manhattan, and demanded a 
surrender of the fort. 

Gov. Stuyvesant would willingly have opposed this de- 
N. Neth. submit , , , , i i 

to his authority, mand; but the people, who, under the government or the 
—^- Dutch West India Company, had suffered many griev¬ 

ances, and were deprived of all share in the management of the affairs 
of the colony, were desirous to surrender the government into the hands 
of Col. Nichols, who promised to secure to the governor and inhabi¬ 
tants, their liberty and estates, with all the privileges of English sub¬ 
jects. New Amsterdam, in honour of the duke, was called New-York. 
Part of the armament immediately sailed up the river, under the com¬ 
mand of Sir George Carteret, to fort Orange, which soon surrendered, 
and was named Albany. Sir Robert Carr proceeded with another 
division of the fleet, to the Delaware, to reduce the Dutch and Swedes 
on that bay and river. They were soon compelled to surrender to the 
English, and thus the whole of New Netherlands came under the go¬ 
vernment of New-York, and was called by the same name. 

1664. Colonel Nichols, George Cartwright, Samuel Mave- 

Commissioners rick, and Sir Robert Carr, had been appointed commis- 

visit the N. Eng- . „ . i-i .. 

land colonies. sioiiers from his majesty, not only m the reduction of the 

- Dutch plantations, and the government and settlement of 

them, but for visiting the New England colonies, hearing and determin¬ 
ing all matters of complaint, and for establishing the peace and secu¬ 
rity of the country. Nothing important, however, appears to have 
resulted from this measure ; and although the colonists considered it an 
invasion of their chartered rights, yet, no direct opposition was made 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


65 


1664. 

Ne\v-J ersey 
granted to Berk¬ 
ley and Carteret, 


to the proceedings of the commissioners, excepting in Massachusetts, 
whose firmness in resisting every exercise of their power, deeply of¬ 
fended them; and Carr and Cartwright left the country in high dis¬ 
pleasure. Cartwright was taken prisoner by the Dutch, on his passage 
home, and Carr died the next day after his arrival, or immediate mea¬ 
sures would probably have been taken against the colony. 

After the surrender of the Dutch governor, Nichols 
entered upon the administration of the government of 

New-York, which he conducted with great prudence, in- - 

tegrity, and moderation. The people, however, continued without the 
privilege of calling an assembly, or having any voice in the government 
of the colony; all authority being vested in the royal governor and 
council. Nichols returned to England, and was succeeded by Love¬ 
lace, 1667. 

During the same year, but previous^ to the surrender 
of the Dutch, the duke of York made a grant of that part 
of his patent, lying between the Hudson and Delaware, 

to Lord Berkley and Sir George Carteret. This tract - 

was called New-Jersey, in compliment to Sir George, who had been 
governor of the isle of Jersey. In 1664, before the grant to Berkley 
and Carteret was known, three persons from Long Island, purchased 
of the natives a tract of the country, which was called Elizabethtown, 
where a settlement was commenced. Other towns were soon settled 
by emigrants from the colonies, and from Europe. These opposite 
claims caused much discord between the proprietors and inhabitants. 
In 1665, Berkley and Carteret formed a constitution for the colony, 
and appointed Philip Carteret governor. He resided at Elizabethtown 
and made it the seat of government. 

Ill 1669, the settlement of Port Royal, in Carolina, 
was commenced. William Sayle, was the first governor 
appointed by the proprietors. He first landed in Caro¬ 
lina, at or near Beaufort, in 1670, and the next year, es- 
tablished on the banks of Ashley river, the foundation of 
Old Charleston. He died in 1671, when his colony was 
annexed to that around Cape Fear, under Gov. Yeamans. 

From this time, there were but two governments in Caro- - 

lina—that around Albemarle sound, and the one just mentioned. They 
were both under the same proprietor, though in many respects, their 
interests were distinct. They received the appellations of North and 
South Carolina. 

During the administration of governor Sayle, a con- ^ consti- 
stitution, prepared at the request of the proprietors, by tution. 

the celebrated Mr. Locke, was attempted to be put in- 

9 


1669. 

Third settlemeni 
in Carolina. 

1671. 

Charleston 
founded; unites 
with Cape Fear, 
and is called S. 
Carolina. 







66 


HISTORY OF THE 


force. A great opposition was made to it; and in Albemarle, an insur¬ 
rection was occasioned, by an attempt to enforce it.* 

In 1672, domestic disputes in New-Jersey became 
1672. violent. The inhabitants of Elizabethtown, who had 

. purchased the soil of the natives, previous to the pro- 
-— prietary government, refused to pay rent to the proprie¬ 
tors, and carried their opposition so far, as to expel Philip Carteret, the 
proprietary governor, and substitute James Carteret, his son, in his 
place. The father returned to England, and obtained from the pro¬ 
prietors, such conditions as quieted the colonists, and the proprietary 
government was restored. 

In 1673, England and Holland were again involved in 
Dutch take* war, and Holland sent over a small fleet to regain her 

New-York. American possessions. This force arrived at New-York, 

and demanded a surrender, which was made without re¬ 
sistance, and the Dutch took immediate possession of the fort and city, 
and soon after of the whole of New Netherlands. 

j The next year, 1674, the war terminated, and a treaty 

N. York restored was concluded between England and Holland. New- 
to the English. York was restored to the English ; and the duke of York, 

to prevent controversy about his title to the territory, 
took out a new patent, and the same year appointed Sir Edmund An- 
dross, governor* 

In 1675, Mason and Gorges revived their claims to New Hampshire. 
From the time that the settlements in New Hampshire had formally 
submitted to the government of Massachusetts, these claims had lain 
dormant. Upon a hearing of the parties, it was determined by the 
judges of England, that the towns on the Piscataqua, were not within 
the limits of Massachusetts. 

In 1675, Andross conducted an expedition against Con¬ 
necticut. He claimed jurisdiction over that part of the 
colony, west of the river, by virtue of its having been 
included in the grant to the duke of York. This territory 

- had, however, long before, been granted to the colony 

of Connecticut. Andross, with an armed force, arrived off Saybrook 
fort. The governor and council being apprised of his design, sent 
captain Bull to make defence. By his vigilance and firmnesis, he en- 
tirely defeated the designs of Andross; who, finding the colony deter¬ 
mined not to submit to his government, abandoned the attempt, and re¬ 
turned to Long Island.! 


1675. 

Andross at¬ 
tempts to govern 
Conn.; is re¬ 
pulsed. 


# See Appendix F 

t Sir Edmund Andross, although he appears in the history of he colonies, as the willing 
instrument of a despotic oppressor, was, however, a man of wit. History relates, that, though 
unsuccessful in his attempt on fort Saybrook, he could not but admire the commander, and 






REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


67 


SECTION III 

At this period, 1675, occurred the most bloody and 
decisive of all the Indian wars, in which the New England ^ 
colonists were engaged. This was commonly called causes.^ 

King Philip’s war, from the dauntless savage who was its -- 

instigator. His father, Massasoit, had been the friend of the whites, 
but his elder brother had died, in consequence of being imprisoned by 
them. He remembered that his ancestors had reigned sole lords of 
the forest. Now, their hunting grounds were abridged ; and the deer, 
the bear, and other animals on which they depended for subsistence, 
were frightened away by the hum of civilization. The new race, whom 
their fathers received when a poor and feeble band, and probably re¬ 
garded as objects of pity, and who could not have existed a day, but 
for their forbearance, were now gradually spreading themselves over 
the land, and assuming to be its sovereigns. Nothing seemed to re¬ 
main to the native savage, but to be driven by degrees, from the occu¬ 
pations and possessions of his forefathers, or to arouse, make one mighty 
effort, and by the total extirpation of the whites, restore all things to 
their former state. This was the spirit which, emanating from Philip, 
whose residence was near Mount Hope, now Bristol, spread itself 
throughout the various Indian tribes. Even the Narragansetts were 
suspected, as secretly favouring the designs of Philip, and of harbouring 
his old men and women. 

Dreadful beyond description was the condition of the colonists. The 
object of the Indians, was totally to exterminate them, and aimed 
equally at the lives of the armed and the defenceless. They were’with¬ 
held by no laws of religion, and their customs of war, instead of re¬ 
straining, led them to the most shocking barbarities. The previous 
state of peace and security, in the course of which, the whites had 
spread themselves over a large extent of country, and mingled their 
dwellings with those of the Indians, rendered their situation more peri¬ 
lous. The Indians thus became acquainted with their 
haunts and their habits ; and they sought to make their I^readful conse- 
attacks, when and where they would be least likely to dian warfare, 
meet a repulse. They ambushed the private path; they 
rushed with the dreadful war-whoop upon the worshipping assembly ; 
and, during the silence of midnight, set fire to the lonely dwelling, and 
butchered its inhabitants. When the father of the family was to go 

learning that bis name was Bull, declared, “ that it was a pity his horns were not tipped with 
silver.” Traditional examples of his wit, are also related. 




68 


HISTORY OF THE 


forth in the morning, he knew he might meet his death-shot as he 
opened his door, from some foe concealed behind his fences, or in his 
barn: or he might go, and return to find his family murdered during 
his absence. When the mother lay down at night, with her infant 
cradled on her arm, she knew that, before morning, it might be plucked 
from her bosom, and its brains dashed out before her eyes. Such were 
at all times, the consequences of savage warfare ; but, at no time during 
the settlement of the country, were they so extensively felt, as during 
the year through which this war continued. 

Philip had not proceeded farther, than to work upon the minds of the 
Indians, by secret machinations, when one Sausaman, an Indian friendly 
to the whites, gave them notice of his designs. He was soon after 
murdered. On investigation, the Plymouth court found that the mur¬ 
der was committed by three of Philips most intimate friends, and forth¬ 
with caused them to be executed. The Indian king now felt that pri¬ 
vate wrongs were added to public, and no longer delayed to make the 
great effort, upon which he was resolved, and in which he persevered, 
until he and his tribe met that extermination which he had projected 
for the English. 


1675. June, 1675, Philip commenced hostili- 

Philip attacks ties upon Swanzey, one of the frontier towns of New 
Swanzey. Plymouth. The troops of that colony, marched imme¬ 

diately to the defence of the town. They charged so vigorously, that 
the Indians fled before them, and took refuge in a swamp. Receiving 
reinforcements from Boston, the troops of the colonists marched into 
the Indian towns, which, on their approach, were deserted. Even the 
seat of Philip bore evidence of the precipitation with which it had been 
left. The route of the savages was marked with the ruin of buildings 
which had been burned, and the scalps and heads of the English, which 
were fixed upon poles by the way side. The troops, finding they could 
not overtake the Indians, returned to Swanzey. 

Comra’rs meet Commissioners of the colonies met at Boston, in 

at Boston. They consequence of the war with Philip. They despatched 
send troops to o, • i ^ i , /. 

Stoningion. troops to Stonmgtoii, to defend that part of the colony 

-against the enemy. As the Narragansetts were sus¬ 
pected of being hostile, it was determined that the army which was 
stationed at Swanzey, should immediately march into their country, 
^ , and treat with them sword in hand. On the 15th of July, 

Treaty with the , i i ^ 

Narragansetts. a treaty was Concluded between the colonies and Narra- 

- gansetts. Among other stipulations, it was determined 

that the commissioners should give forty coats to any of the Narra¬ 
gansetts who should bring Philip alive, and twenty for his head; and 
that two coats should be given for every subject of Philip, delivered 
alive to the English. 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


69 


On the 17th, the troops returned to Taunton, upon in- 1675. 
telligence that Philip and his warriors were in a swamp att^ked 

at Pocasset, near Mount Hope. The Massachusetts and - 

Plymouth forces formed a junction, and on the 18th attacked therri. 
T-he Indians had chosen an advantageous situation. As the army en¬ 
tered the swamp, they retreated deeper and deeper into it, till the troops 
were led into such a hideous thicket, that it was impossible for them 
to keep their order. The action was continued till night, when the 
English retreated. Had they renewed their attack upon him the next 
day, they might have terminated the war, as Philip was so enclosed in 
the swamp, that he could not have escaped, except by fighting his way 
through the English army. But they injudiciously neglected tin’s; and 
Philip, about six or eight days after, made his escape, 
and fled to the Nipmucks. Capt. Hutchinson, with a die ?fipmucks.^° 

company of horse, was sent to treat with that tribe, but - 

being drawm into an ambush, near Brookfield, he was mortally wounded, 
and sixteen of his company were killed. The enemy then rushed into 
the town, and burned all the dwelling houses but one, which was de¬ 
fended by the people. Deerfield and Hatfield were also 
attacked. The parties which were sent out by the offi- field, Hatfield, 
cers, were surprised and killed. Intending to collect Hadley, suf- 

a magazine at Hadley, and garrison the town. Captain -- 

Lathrop, with a chosen corps of young men, was sent to transport a 
quantity of corn from Deerfield to that place. They were suddenly at¬ 
tacked by the Indians, at Bloody Brook; and, though they fought with 
great bravery, they were almost all cut off. 

In October, the Springfield Indians, who had previously 
, p . 1 , ,1 • 1 T , -1 -1 Springfield near- 

been Iriendly, concerted a plan with the hostile tribes, to ly destroyed. 

burn that toAvn; but the plot was discovered in time to - 

prevent its total destruction. While the flames of Springfield were 

raging, the Indians attacked Hatfield ; but the town was garrisoned with 

a force sufficient to repel the assault of the enemy, and the fugitives 

fled to the Narragansetts. Others joined the Indians of Canada. 

In the autumn of this year, there was a general rising of A general rising 
the savages throughout N. England, and without a vigorous Q^the savages. 
effort, the colonists apprehended total extinction. The Narragansetts, 
in direct violation of their treaty, not only received Philip’s warriors, but 
even aided their attacks upon the English. It was determined, therefore, 
to send an army into their country, and to attack their head quarters, 
which were in the present town of South Kingston, Rhode Island. 

On the 18th of December, the different bodies of 
troops formed a junction in the country of the Narragan- The troops form 
setts, at Pettyquamscot, about fifteen miles from the gov! 
enemy. The whole army was conducted by Gov. Win- - 








70 


HISTORY OF THE 


slow of Plymouth. The Connecticut forces were commanded by Major 
Treat. On the 19th, at dawn of day, they began their march ; and, 
after passing a stormy night in the open air, they waded through the 
snow sixteen miles. About one o’clock, they arrived near the enemy’s 
fortress, which was on a rising ground, in the midst of a swamp. This 
fort was encircled by palisadoes and trees, very firmly compacted toge¬ 
ther. A single log, which lay over a collection of water, was the only 
entrance, and this pass was securely guarded. In this fort, it was sup¬ 
posed, were collected about 4000 Indians. After exchanging one shot, 
the enemy fled into the fort. The English pursued, but were obliged 
to retire with loss. At this moment, was discovered, on the opposite 
side \)f the fort, a place destitute of palisadoes, through which a party 
of the assailants sprang into the fort, fell upon the rear 
Man^,^and erT- Indians, and achieved a complete victory. The 

tircly defeat battle lasted three hours. One thousand Indian warriors 

- were killed; three hundred warriors, and as many women 

and children, were made prisoners. About six hundred of their wig¬ 
wams were burned; and many of the Indians perished in the flames. 
From this defeat the Indians never entirely recovered. They, how¬ 
ever, carried on a predatory war, and, aided by their brethren in Ca¬ 
nada, desolated many of the frontier towns. 

The English pursued the war with energy. In the spring of 1676, 
the colonial troops were almost universally victorious. Jealousies arose 
among the different tribes of savages, and while great numbers were 
slain, many deserted the common cause. 

1676. Philip liad attempted to arouse the Mohawks againsl 
to gam^the Mo- English, and had, for this purpose, killed a number of 
hawks. Escapes the tribe, and attributed.their death to the English. His 
to Mount Hope^ perfidy was detected, and he ffed to Mount Hope. Here 
he was pursued by Capt. Church, who had particularly distinguished 
himself in this contest. In the midst of these reverses, Philip remained 
firm and unshaken. His chief men, as also his wife and family, were 
killed or taken prisoners; and he is said to have wept at these suc¬ 
cessive misfortunes, with a bitterness that evinced the possession of 
the finest feelings of human nature. So averse was he to submis- 

Philip is killed. '''^ho proposed it. 

- After being driven from swamp to swamp, he was at last 

shot, near Mount Hope, by the brother of the Indian whom he had killed. 
Of the scattering parties which remained, many were captured, others 
surrendered, or fled to the French, and to the Indians of distant tribes. 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


71 


SECTION IV. 


The original proprietors of New-Jersey, Lord Berkley and Sir George 
Carteret, had held the province as joint property; but Berkley, becom- 
ing weary with the care of an estate, which yielded him 
neither honour nor profit, sold his share to Edward Bil- sells his right 
linge. That gentleman, becoming involved in debt, ^^^-Jersey. 
found it necessary to assign over his property for the benefit of his cre¬ 
ditors • and, as one of the assignees of Billinge, William Penn is first 
introduced into the American History. New-Jersey was now jointly 
held by Sir George Carteret, and the assignees or trustees of Billinge ; 
but perceiving the inconvenience of holding joint property, they agreed 
to separate the country into East and West Jersey ; Car- 1 ( 57(3 
teret receiving the sole proprietorship of East Jersey, and 
Penn and his associates, acting for the creditors of Bel- and West 
linge, that of West Jersey. West Jersey was next di- 
vided into one hundred shares, which were separately sold, and thus 
commenced a confusion of property, which was the source of much 
controversy, in the province. 

The history of the Anglo-American colonies presents, in general, a 
series of efforts, on the part of the parent country, to extend an arbi¬ 
trary and unjust power over her foreign subjects; and on theirs, the 
calm, determined resistance of men—wise to understand, and spirited 
to maintain their rights. Little place is found for what constitutes so 
great a part of the history of other countries, the ambition of one, caus¬ 
ing the ruin of many. A solitary exception to this remark occurs in 
the history of the rebellion in Virginia, excited by Na¬ 
thaniel Bacon. This young demagogue was bred a law- 1676. 
yer in England, and arrived in Virginia at a time when arebeHioninVa! 

the inhabitants were harassed by a protracted war with —-- 

the Susquehannah Indians, and their minds irritated by the oppressions 
of the British government, in laying heavy restraints upon their com¬ 
merce. These restrictions, which commenced with the Causes of irrita- 
celebrated Navigation Act, passed by the house of com- tjon; Naviga- 

,1 1,1 ^1 'de¬ 
mons m 1651, had been increased by later statutes,* and - 


were now enforced with great rigour. Portions of their territory had also 
been granted to favourite courtiers, contrary to the original charters; 
thereby subjecting the colonists to pay, as the only means of relief, ex- 
travagant taxes for the purpose of extinguishing these claims. 


* See Appendix G. 






72 


HISTORY OF THE 


led lo leave 
'Jamestown. 


Bacon who, to a commanding person, added a fascinating eloquence, at 
Conduct of sympathy for the sufferings of the 

t^acon. _ people, until he won their affection and confidence; when, 

assuming a bolder note, he insinuated that there were means of relief, 
to procure which the government of the colony was inadequate ; parti¬ 
cularly charging its officers with a needless protraction of the Indian 
war. The infatuated people fell into the snare, elected Bacon their 
general, vvith unlimited powers, and sent to Jamestown, requiring of 
the governor and council to grant him a commission. They refusing. 
Bacon, at the head of six hundred armed followers, marched to James- 
Finally obtains obtained his commission, by operating on their 

a commission; fears. He then departed to pursue the war against 
is^deciaied a re- Indians. No sooner had he left Jamestown, than 

- .(tov. Berkley issued a proclamation, declaring him a 

rebel, and commanding his followers to deliver him up, and return to 
their homes. Bacon, only irritated by this act of weakness and folly, 
Berkley compel- I’eturned, with his followers, to Jamestown ; and Gov, 
Berkley, compelled to leave it, fled across the bay to 
Accomack, where he collected a considerable force. 
All the horrors of a civil war, for a time, desolated Virginia. James¬ 
town was burned by. the followers of Bacon, agriculture declined, lives 
were lost in skirmishes, and female delicacy was not respected by the 
lawless insurgents. From these enormities the country was relieved 
by the timely death of their instigator. Deprived of 
pSS restored'^ head, the malcontents were incapable of union, 

- and each one made the best terms possible for himself. 

Berkley was reinstated in the government, and quiet restored. 

Meanwhile, the government of England, becoming sensible of the 
grievances sustained by Virginia, was about to grant her a new charter, 
with extensive privileges. Every formality had passed, but that of an¬ 
nexing the great seal, when the news of Bacon’s rebellion reaching 
England, it was withheld, and thus another great evil was inflicted on the 
interests of the colony, by that bad citizen. After the 
restoration of tranquillity, a charter was, however, grant¬ 
ed, but with restricted powers; the suppressed charter 
having secured the people from British taxation, and the 
one granted, expressly allowing it. 

The same year, 1677, a controversy, which had sub¬ 
sisted for some time, between the colony of Massachu- 

- setts and the heirs of Sir Ferdinando Gorges, relative to 

the Province of Maine, was settled in England, and the province as¬ 
signed to the heirs of Gorges. Upon this, Massachusetts purchased 


1677. 

Virginia receives 
a charter. 


Mass, purchases 
Maine. 


the title, and the territory became a part of that colony. 








REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


73 


1680 . 

N. Charleston 
founded. War 
with theWestoes 


Two years after, a commission was made out, by order 1679 
of Charles 11. for the separation of New Hampshire from n. h. becomes a 
the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, and its erection into a separate royal 

. government. 

royal province. The assembly was to be chosen by the - 

people, the president and council to be appointed by the crown. For 
several years after this separation, a controversy subsisted between 
these colonies, relative to their respective boundaries. 

In 1680, the inhabitants of Charleston, South Carolina, 
laid out a new city at Oyster Point, between Ashley 
and Cooper rivers, to which the name of the first settle¬ 
ment was given. The same year commenced a war with 
the Westoes, a powerful tribe of Indians, which threatened great injury 
to the colony ; a peace was, however, concluded the following year. 

Sir Edmund Andross, governor of New-York, under 1G78 " 

pretence of the claims of the duke of York, usurped the Andross usurps 
government both in East and West Jersey. The pro- the government 

prietors resisted this usurpation, when Andross, instigated _1— 

by the duke of York, seized them, transported them to New York, and 
there imprisoned them. He next laid a duty upon all goods imported, 
and upon the property of all who came to settle in the country. The 
people complained, the proprietors demanded satisfac¬ 
tion, and the duke claimed to be heard by commission- 1680. 
ers. To this the parties agreed. The commissioners 

met, and after hearing the case, they adjudged the duties -— 

illegal and oppressive ; in consequence of which, in 1680, they were 
removed, and the proprietors reinstated in their government. Edward 
Billinge was appointed governor, and in the next year, 1681, summoned 
the first general assembly in West Jersey. 

Another colony was now planted, which grew up under circumstan¬ 
ces more peaceful and prosperous than any of the preceding. William 
Penn, its founder, was the son of Sir William Penn, an sketch of life 
admiral in the British navy. In his early youth, he at- and character 

tached himself to the Quakers, a sect, at that time, de- -- 

spised and persecuted. So strong was his attachment, that it could 
not be shaken by the entreaties of his friends, or the menaces and se¬ 
verity of his father, by whom he was repeatedly turned from the pater¬ 
nal roof. Penn bore all with patience, and when opportunity presented, 
served his father in the management of his landed estate in Ireland, 
with such distinguished ability and faithfulness, as raised him a reputa¬ 
tion in such affairs. Being appointed one of the assignees of Billinge, 
he thus became acquainted with the situation of the American colonies; 
while the treatment to which himself and the Quakers were subjected, 
induced him to wish for an asylum from persecution. His father dying, 
left claims to a lari^e amount against the crown; and Penn, finding that 

10 







74 


HISTORY OF THE 


1682 . 

Of the territories. 


E. Jersey trans¬ 
ferred to Penn. 


Philadelphia 

founded. 


1681. there was a tract yet ungranted, north of Lord Baltimore's 
Penn receives patent, solicited, and obtained of Charles II. in 1681, a 
Permsjlvania. charter of the country, which was bounded on the east 

-by the river Delaware, extending westward five degrees 

of longitude, stretching to the north, from twelve miles northward of 
Newcastle, to the 43d degree of latitude, and limited on the south by a 
circle of twelve miles, drawn around Newcastle, to the beginning of 
the 40th degree of latitude. It was called by the king, Pennsylvania. 

Soon after the date of the grant by the king, two other 
conveyances were made to Penn, by the duke of York, 
which embraced the present state of Delaware, and were 
called, tlie “ Territories.” They were governed for 
twenty years, as a part of Pennsylvania. At the same 
time. Sir George Carteret transferred to Penn, and eleven 
associates, his right in the province of East Jersey. 

Penn embarked from England in August, with one 
hundred settlers, and arrived at Newcastle on the 24th 
of October. They cleared and improved the lands, and built a new 
town, which, as a perpetual memento of brotherly love, received the 
name of Philadelphia. Previous to leaving England, Penn had paid 
much attention to the principles of government, and his speculations, as 
shown in his writings, and exhibited in the government which he formed 
for his colony, before settling it, evinced a great, an original, and a be¬ 
nevolent mind. Among all the moral regulations which 

Penn’s princi- i i i • . 

pies of gov’t. he attempted to introduce, there were, it is true, several 

- which did not bear the test of experience, but enough re¬ 
mains, to justify historians in considering Penn, as one of the greatest 
lawgivers of modern times. It was at a period when religious tolera¬ 
tion was scarcely known in the civilized world, that by the laws of Penn, 
it was declared, that no person acknowledging one God, and living 
peaceably in society, should be molested for his opinions or his practice, 
touching religious matters. He followed the peculiar tenets of his sect, 
Lst treatment prohibiting any appeal to arms. Wishing to pursue 
of the natives. justice, as well as benevolence and peace, Penn, soon 

- after his arrival, met a council of the native chiefs, and 

amicably purchased of them such lands as the new settlers wished to 
occupy. So perfectly satisfied were the native proprietors, of his up¬ 
right dealings, that for seventy years, they lived at peace with his colony. 
Rapid settle- Y^^r after Penn came into the pro- 

vince, about thirty ships arrived with settlers, principally 

- Quakers, whose chief object was to make provision for 

the free enjoyment of their religion. In 1684, he returned to England, 
leaving his province in a happy and prosperous situation, under the ad- 
ramlstration of five commissioners, chosen by the people. 









REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


75 


1678-1684. 

Frencli extend 
their discove¬ 
ries—La Salle’s 
expeditions. 


In 1682, Andross was removed from the government 
of New-York. Thomas Dongan succeeded him in 1683, ^ ^ 
when the first general assembly, in that province, was calls the first 
convoked, consisting of a council and eighteen represen- 

tatives. By the declaration of the governor, they were - 

invested with the sole power of enacting laws and levying taxes; but 
the laws could have no force, until ratified by the duke. Gov. Dongan 
surpassed all his predecessors, in attention to the affairs with the In¬ 
dians, by whom he was highly esteemed. 

About this time, the French began to extend their dis¬ 
coveries along the great lakes and the Mississippi. Mons. 

De la Salle, under the auspices of Louis XIV. embarked 
from Rochelle, in France, during the year 1678, on his 
first voyage of discovery. He reached Quebec, and 
proceeding up the St. Lawrence and lake Ontario, erected fort Nia¬ 
gara, at the junction of this lake with Niagara river.* From thence 
his course was through lakes Erie, Huron, and Michigan, into the river 
St. Joseph’s, and across the portage from this river to 
the Illinois. While here, he built a fort, and sent Father outSherHen- 
Hennepin, a Franciscan missionary, and others, to ex- ^ others, 
plore the country, who ascended the Mississippi as far ' 

as the falls of St. Anthony. In 1680, La Salle returned to fort Fron- 
tenac, on lake Ontario. The following year, he revisited the fort on 
the Illinois, descended this river to the Mississippi, and passed down 
the Mississippi to the gulf of Mexico. He returned to Quebec by .ne 
way of the lakes, and from thence to France. Another expedition was 
fitted out, in 1684. La Salle following his former course, proceeded 
to the gulf of Mexico, and built a fort fifty leagues south of the Missis¬ 
sippi, near the bay of St. Louis. On his return he was assassinated by 

one of his own party. Upon these discoveries of La ^ ^ . 

^ ^ France, Spam, 

Salle, the French claimed the whole country watered by and Eng. claim 

the Mississippi and its branches, which, in honour of king MiSsSppi 

Louis XIV. was named Louisiana. Spain claimed the -^- 

same country, on account of its discovery by De Soto; and Great 
Britain, from its having been granted in the patents for its colonies, 
and also, from its alleged discovery by Col. Wood, who had been sent 
from Virginia to explore it, as early as 1654. 

At the instigation of the French, the Five Nations, 
who had by this time extended their conquests west 
of the English settlements, as far as the Mississippi, 
commenced depredations on the back parts of Maryland 

* As La Salle’s route may be traced on the Maps of the later periods of tlie history, it 
was deemed unnecessaiy to extend the limits of that connecter! with this period, exclusively, 
for tlie purpose of delineating it. 


1684. 

Hostilities of the 
Five Nations. 
Peace restored. 







76 


HISTORY OF THE 


and Virginia, This occasioned a convention at Albany, in 1684, when 
they were induced to enter into a treaty of peace with Lord Howard, 
governor of Virginia, in behalf of all the settlements. This treaty se¬ 
cured them from further depredations, from this powerful confederacy. 
War between During the convention, De la Barre, governor of Ca- 

the Five Nations nada, sent a messenger to complain of the Seneca In- 
and Canada. ^ i i i i i 

_ dians, tor interrupting the trade ot the rrench with the 

more distant tribes. At the same time, he was determined on the total 
destruction of the Five Nations, and proceeded to lake Ontario, with 
1700 men. Gov. Dongan, notwithstanding contrary directions from the 
duke of York, informed the Indians of his designs, and promised to as¬ 
sist them. But De la Barre, in consequence of a long delay at fort 
Frontenac, occasioned by sickness in his army, found himself obliged 
to conclude a treaty of peace with them, and return to Montreal. De 
1689 Nonville, who succeeded De la Barre, led an army against 
Moi* *eAl de- the confederates, but fell into an ambuscade, and was 

Five Na^ions^ defeated. In 1689, 1200 men of the Five Nations, in- 

- vaded the island of Montreal, sacked all the plantations, 

and murdered men, women, and children. One thousand were killed, 
and twenty-six taken prisoners. The Five Nations lost but three in 
this expedition. In consequence of these disastrous events, the strength 
of the French became weakened, and the collisions between the French 
and English, the causes of which existed at this period, were, happily 
for the latter, delayed. 


SECTION V. 


i^ompiaints The people of Massachusetts had continued to disre- 

^ainst the navigation acts, and refused to send agents to 

and proceedings the couit of England, to answer for the charges of ne- 
to annul her i , i • , ° 

charter. glect brought against them. Edward Randolph was 

- therefore sent from Great Britain, in 1679, as inspector 

of customs in New England, but was resolutely opposed in the execu¬ 


tion of the duties of his office, and soon returned. In 1682, he came 
again to Boston, bringing a letter of complaint from the committee of 
plantations, in England, who directed that agents should repair to the 
court of London, fully empowered to act for the colonies. It was un¬ 
derstood to be the intention of the king, to procure from these agents 
a surrender of the charter of Massachusetts, or to annul it by a suit in 
his courts, in order that he might appoint officers, who would be sub- 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


77 


servient to his views. The agents were instructed to make no conces¬ 
sions of their chartered privileges, and the king being informed of this, 
proceeded, according to forms of law, to cancel the charter. Massa¬ 
chusetts was, however, informed that in case of peaceable submission, 
the government should be regulated for her good. The representatives 
of the people, in general court, would listen to no conditions, but such 
as allowed them to retain all those privileges, which their charter con¬ 
ferred ; while the governor and associates were in favour of humble 
submission to the king’s pleasure. Hence, the commencement of two 
parties in the colonies, the patriots, or those who defended the rights 
of the colonists, and the prerogative men, or those who were in favour 
of unqualified submission to royal authority. Agents 
were again sent to make defence of their rights, but be¬ 
fore they had arrived, the charter was annulled. 

King Charles II. died in 1685, before he had time to 
adjust the affairs of the colony, and was succeeded by 
the duke of York, under the title of James II. James 
determined that there should be no free governments in his dominions, 
and soon after his accession, ordered writs to be issued against the 
charters of Connecticut and Rhode Island. These co¬ 
lonies presented letters and addresses, which, containing pHve'the col^ 
expressions of humble duty, the king construed them into chartws 


1684. 

Her charter is 
cinnuUed. 

1685. 

James II. suc¬ 
ceeds Charles II. 


1686. 
Andross gov. of 
N. England. 


an actual surrender of their charters; and, affecting to - 

believe that all impediments to the royal will were removed, proceeded 
to establish a temporary government over New England. Sir Joseph 
Dudley was appointed president, in 1686, but in Decem¬ 
ber, of the same year, he was succeeded by Sir Edmund 
Andross, as governor general, in whom, with a council, 

was vested all the powers of government. - 

Sir Edmund began his government with the most flattering profes- 
sions of his regard to the public safety and happiness. It was, how¬ 
ever, well observed, that “ Nero concealed his tyrannical disposition 
more years, than Sir Edmund did months.” He assumed control over 
the press, and appointed the detested Randolph, licenser. Soon after 
his arrival in the country, he sent to Connecticut, de¬ 
manding the surrender of her charter. This being re¬ 
fused, in 1687, he came with a guard to Hartford, du¬ 
ring the session of the general assembly, and in person 

required its delivery. After debating until evening, the - 

charter was produced, and laid on the table where the assembly were 
sitting. The lights were instantly extinguished, and one of the mem¬ 
bers privately conveyed it away, and hid it in the cavity of a large oak 
tree. The candles were officiously relighted, but the charter was gone; 
and no discovery could be made of it, or the person who carried 


1687. 

Attempts to take 
the charter of 
Conn.; assumes 
its gov’t. 







78 


HISTORY OF THE 


away.* The government of the colony was, however, surrendered 
to Andross. 

General sup- Massachusetts, where Sir Edmund resided, was the 
pression of principal seat of despotism and suffering. In 1688, New- 
York and New Jersey were added to his jurisdiction; 


charter gov’ts. 


1689. 

Rumour of the 
accession of 
King Wm.: its 
effects. 


and for more than two years, there was a general suppression of char¬ 
ter governments throughout the colonies. 

At last. Sir Edmund, who was perfectly devoted to the 
arbitrary measures of King James, by his tyranny in 
New England, drew upon himself the hatred of the whole 
people. When, therefore, it was rumoured, that Wil- 

- liam, prince of Orange, had landed in England, and was 

seated on the throne, determining no longer to endure his despotic 
rule, they seized and imprisoned both him and Randolph. The go¬ 
vernment, in the mean time, was vested in the hands of a committee 
for the safety of the people, of which committee Gov. Bradstreet was 
chosen president. 

When the news from Europe reached New-York, it caused the smo¬ 
thered flame of opposition to burst forth. A general disaffection to 
the government had prevailed among the people : and intelligence that 
the inhabitants of England had resolved to dethrone James, and offer 
the crown of England to William, prince of Orange, elevated the hopes 
of the disaffected. But no active measures were taken, till after the 
Leisler placed at rupture at Boston, when several captains of the militia 
the head of the convened, to concert measures in favour of the prince of 

gov’t of N.York. t i t • i . 

- Orange. Jacob Eeisler was the most active of them, 

and possessed, in the greatest degree, the esteem of the people. He 
was not, however, a man of talents, but received the guiding impulses 
of his conduct from the superior energies of his son-in-law, Jacob Mil- 
bome. By the counsels of this intriguing Englishman, Leisler, at the 
head of forty-nine men, entered and took possession of the fort of New- 
York, and declared in favour of William, prince of Orange; but this 
declaration, opposed by the authority of the city, at first had few ad¬ 
herents ; until a report got footing, that three ships were approaching, 
with orders from King William : when his party was augmented by the 
addition of six captains and four hundred men from New-Y’ork, and 
seventy men from East Chester. 

Col. Dongan, who was about to leave the province, then lay em¬ 
barked in the bay, having, a short time previous, resigned his govern- 

- • At this time, (1829,) 142 years after this interesting transaction, is existing, in a fine 
state of preservation, the oak tree in which the charter was concealed. 

“ Long may’st thou flourish, venerated tree. 

Which, patriot-liko, hast borne within thy bosom 
7'hy country’s doarost rights.” 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


79 


ment to Francis Nicholson, the lieutenant governor. Governor and 
Nicholson and his party were not, however, long able to vemorSvf^hc 
contend with their opponents; and the night on which province, 
the last declaration was signed, he joined Gov. Dongan. 

Leisler, being in possession of the force, sent an address to William 
and Mary, as soon as he received the news of their accession to the 
throne. This man’s sudden investiture with the supreme power of the 
province, and the probable prospect of the king’s approbation of his 
conduct,.could not but excite the envy and jealousy of the late council 
and magistrates, who had refused to join his party. Col. Bayard and 
Mr. Courtland, the latter of whom was mayor of the city, were at tlje 
head of his opponents; but finding it impossible to raise a party against 
him in New-York, they retired ,to Albany, and there endeavoured to 
create opposition. Leisler, fearful of their influence, and wishing to 
extinguish the jealousies of the people, thought it prudent to admit se¬ 
veral trusty persons, to participate in that power which the militia had 
committed solely to himself. In the month of December, a packet 
arrived, directed “ to Francis Nicholson, Esq. or, in his absence, to 
such, as, for the time being, take care for preserving the peace, and ad¬ 
ministering the laws, in their Majesties’ province of New-York, in Ame¬ 
rica.” When this packet came to hand, Leisler considered it as directed 
to himself, and, from this time, issued all kinds of commissions in his own 
name, assuming the title, as well as authority of lieutenant governor. 

The people of Albany, in the mean time, were determined to hol'd 
the garrison and city for King William, independent of Leisler, and on 
the 26th of October, formed themselves into a convention for that pur- 
pose ; but Milborne, commissioned by Leisler, undertook 1099 
its reduction. Upon his arrival there, a great number 
of the inhabitants armed themselves, and repaired to the the fort at Alb’y. 
fort, then commanded by Mr. Schuyler; and Milborne 
soon after retreated from Albany. In the spring he commanded an¬ 
other party upon the same errand; and the distress of the country, in 
consequence of an Indian irruption, gave him the desired success. No 
sooner was he possessed of the garrison, than most of the principal 
members of the convention left the place; upon which their effects 
were arbitrarily seized and confiscated. 

When the intelligence was confirmed, that Mary and William were 
firmly seated on the throne of England, they were pro- 
claimed in all the colonies with demonstrations of joy. i. resume their 
Rhode Island and Connecticut resumed their former de^ed hers.^^^’ 


charters; but on the application of Massachusetts, the - 

king resolutely refused to restore her former system of government. 
Andross, Randolph, and others were ordered to England for trial. 





80 


HISTORY OF THE 


The change of government, produced by the removal of Andross, 
left New Hampshire in an unsettled state. Mason had died in 1685, 
Allen purchases leaving his two sons heirs to his claims. The people 
the title to New earnestly petitioned to be again united with Massachu- 
Hampshire. getts, but their attempts w’ere effectually frustrated by 
Samuel Allen, who purchased of the heirs of Mason their title to New 
Hampshire. Allen received a commission as governor of the colony, 
and assumed the government in 1692. The people reluctantly sub¬ 
mitted to be distinct from Massachusetts. 

New Hampshire, from its frontier situation, was peculiarly exposed 
to Indian barbarity. In 1689, Dover was attacked by a 
1689. party of the Pennicooks, and other eastern Indians, 
by theSdFan?^ They had been irritated by the conduct of Major Wal- 
_ dron, the principal citizen, and commander of the garri¬ 
son. Being prepared for attack, they sent in the evening some squaws, 
who were admitted to lodge in the fortified houses. At the dead of 
night, these women gave a concerted signal, opened the doors, and the 
Indians rushed in. Twenty-three persons were killed, and twenty- 
nine carried captive to Canada. On Major Waldron they took a ven¬ 
geance worthy of demons. Raising him on a long table, in an armed 
chair, they used the most taunting language, and each Indian in turn 
approaching him, cut gashes across his breast, and said, “ I cross out 
my account.” When, at length, faint with the loss of blood, he fell, 
his own sword, held beneath, received him, and ended his existence. 

.. When James II. abdicated the throne of England, he 

King William’s ^ t i i r> ^ 

warcommenc’d. fled to brance for aid; and, on the accession of William 

and Mary, in 1689, the two nations became involved in 
a war, which soon extended to the provinces in America. De Non- 
ville, governor of Canada, was recalled, and was succeeded by Count 
Frontenac, who, in the winter of 1690, despatched three parties of 
French and Indians against the English settlements, at Schenectady, 
(New York,) Salmon Falls, near the Piscataqua, and Casco, in Maine. 

The detachment against Schenectady entered the place 
in the night of the 18th of February, and separating 
into small parties, invested every house at the same 
time. The people were unalarmed, until their doors 

- were broken open, and themselves dragged from their 

beds. Their dwellings were set on fire ; men and women were butch¬ 
ered and scalped ; and children had their brains dashed out, or were 
cast into the flames. Sixty persons perished by the hands of the sa¬ 
vages ; twenty-seven were carried captive, and most of the small num¬ 
ber which escaped, lost their limbs in attempting to flee naked, through 
a deep snow, to Albany. 


1690. 

Schenectady 
destroy3d by 
French and 
Indians. 






REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


81 


The expedition against Salmon Falls was conducted Salmon Falls 
by Sieur Heurtel. He surprised the place on the 18th of abo desuoyTd. 

March, at day break. The people, after a brave, but in- - 

effectual resistance, surrendered. About fifty were killed, and fifty- 
four taken captive. After burning the place, Heurtel, on his return to 
Canada, met the third party from Quebec. Joining their forces, they 
proceeded to Casco, and destroyed the fort and settlement at that 
place. Other excursions were made, not long after, into the eastern 
quarter of New England, but the inhabitants soon deserted the settle¬ 
ments, and retired to the fort at Wells. 

Roused by these barbarities. New England and New-York resolved 
to attempt the conquest of Canada, and the French posts in Acadia. In 
1690, an expedition was planned by the court of Massachusetts against 
Port Royal; and a fleet of small vessels, under the com- Royal ta- 
mand of Sir William Phipps, set sail in April, for the re- 

duction of that place, of which they made an easy con- —^- 

quest. Sir William took possession of the whole coast, from Port 
Royal to the New England settlements, and returned in about one 
month. The plunder was so considerable, that it was judged sufficient 
to defray the expense of the expedition. 

This successful attempt, together with a hope of enlisting in their 
favour, more powerfully, the Indian tribes, and a wish to recommend 
themselves to the king, induced the colonists to attempt a second inva¬ 
sion of the French territories. It was designed that two thousand men 
should penetrate into Canada, by lake Champlain, and attack Mon¬ 
treal, at the same time that the armament, by sea, should 1690 
. invest Quebec. The expectation of success depended Unsuccessful at- 
principally on the division of the French force, which tempt on Que- 

would be occasioned by this plan of attack. The troops - 

which were designed for Montreal, advanced as far as the falls of 
Wood Creek, but not being supplied with batteaux or provisions, suffi¬ 
cient for crossing the lake, returned to Albany. The fleet, under the 
-direction of Sir William Phipps, sailed in August, but did not arrive at 
Quebec till October, when the officers spent two or three days in idle 
consultation, which gave Count Frontenac time to arrive from Mon¬ 
treal, with the whole strength of Canada. A demand was made by 
Phipps of the surrender of the place; to which the French governor 
gave no other reply than the discharge of his cannon. An unsuccessful 
attempt was made to force the town, after which, on the 10th, the troops 
re-embarked. Phipps returned to Boston, with the loss of several vessels 
and a considerable number of troops. The expenses of this expedition 
caused the first emission of paper money in New England. Its defeat 
has been, perhaps unjustly, attributed to want of conduct in Sir Wil¬ 
liam Phipps. New-York was to have furnished batteaux and provi-/ 

11 





82 


HISTORY OF THE 


1691. 

Gen. Schuyler 
defeats the 
French at La 
Prairie. 


sioiis; but, in consequence of Leisler’s usurpation, the state was divided 
by factions, and Milborne, who was commissary, made no effectual 
provision for either. This circumstance, more than any other, contri¬ 
buted to the failure of the expedition. 

'The effect of this failure was most unfortunate for the colonies. 
The soldiers', on their return, were on the point of mutiny for their 
wages. The Five Nations blamed the English for their 
inactivity, and appeared inclined to make peace with the 
French. The enemy were encouraged, and the frontiers 
^ exposed to still greater ravages. To prevent, in some 
-— measure, these ill effects. Major Peter Schuyler, of Al¬ 
bany, in the summer of the year 1691, collected three hundred Mo¬ 
hawks, passed lake Champlain, and penetrating to La Prairie, en¬ 
gaged eight hundred French troops, and, after a severe conflict, killed 
a number equal to that of his own. The loss of the French was attri¬ 
buted to their ignorance of the Indian mode of warfare. 

1690 During the year 1690, King William sent to Virginia 

French Protest- ^ large body of French Protestants, who had been com- 

ants settle mVa. pelled to leave their country by the arbitrary measures 
and Carolina. ^ ^ j 

- of Louis XIV. To a part of these, lands were allotted 

on the banks of .Tames river, and others settled in Carolina, on the 
banks of the Santee, and in Charleston. They introduced the culture 
of the vine, and were among the most useful settlers of the province. 

The evils of a proprietary government were severely 
Seth Sothel’s , • .r'. t o. i oT i i i ^ 

usurpation. lelt m Carolina. Seth Sothel, one ot the proprietors, 

- had been made governor of the northern colony, but, 

after a course of unjust and oppressive conduct, he was tried and ba¬ 
nished by the assembly. Arriving suddenly in Charleston, he received 
the aid of a powerful faction, and seized the government of South Ca¬ 
rolina, which he held for two years. 

King William now turned his attention to the northern 
colonies, and commissioned Henry Sloughter, as go- 
ork. vernor of New-York. Never was a governor more ne- 
~ “ cessary to the province, and never was one more desti¬ 
tute of every qualification for governing, than this man. If Leisler had 
delivered the garrison to his successor on his first arrival, he might 
have attracted his favourable notice, and that of the crown; but, in¬ 
toxicated with a love of power, he refused to surrender, and shut him¬ 
self up in the fort. From this time, he lost all credit with the governor, 
who joined the party against him. On a second demand also, he re¬ 
fused to deliver the fort, but sent out two persons, one of whom was 
Milborne, on pretence of conferring with the governor. Sloughter, 
considering them as rebels, accordingly confined them. Leisler at¬ 
tempted to escape, but was arrested with many of'his adherents, 


1691. 

Sloughtejr go 
veins N.Y 


I 






REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


83 


and brought to trial. In vain did they plead the merit 

of their zeal for King Wilham; Leisler and his son-in-law anSxe^utei 

were condemned to death for high treason. Immediately - 

after, business called Sloughter to Albany, and to prevent disorders 
arising on account of the prisoners, it was advised, that they should be 
executed before his departure. To such a violent step the governor 
objected, unwilling to sacrifice two men who had so vigorously contri¬ 
buted to the revolution, and so warmly appeared for the king. After 
the enemies of Leisler had in vain endeavoured to bring him to sanc¬ 
tion this precipitate measure, it is said, that amidst the inebriety of a 
feast, which had been prepared for this purpose, the company prevailed 
on him to sign the death warrant; and before he recovered his senses, 
the prisoners were executed. Their property was confiscated ; but on 
presentation of their case to the king, it was restored to their families. 

In none of the colonies, did the revolution in England 
produce a greater change than in Massachusetts. In 
1692, King William, who had refused to restore its 
former government, granted a new charter, which, ex¬ 
tending its limits, but restricting its privileges, com¬ 
menced a new era in the histoiy of this colony. Massa¬ 
chusetts now embraced, besides the former territory, Plymouth, Maine, 
and Nova Scotia; extended north to the river St. Lawrence, and west 
to the South sea, excepting New Hampshire and New-York ; and in¬ 
cluded also, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and the Elizabeth islands. 

Almost the only privilege which the new charter allowed the people, 
was that of choosing their representatives. The king reserved to him¬ 
self the right of appointing the governor, lieutenant governor, and se- 
cretary of the colony; and of repealing the laws within three years 
after their passage. He authorized, in certain cases, an appeal from 
the tribunal of the colony to himself and his council. The legislature 
was now composed of three branches ; the governor, appointed by the 
king ; the representatives, elected by the people ; and a council, chosen 
by the representatives; their choice, however, being subject to the ne¬ 
gative of the governor. Other powers, equally dangerous to the people 
with that of negativing their choice of councillors, were, by this char¬ 
ter, entrusted to that magistrate. He could reject all laws, appoint all 
military and judicial officers, and, at his pleasure, adjourn, or even dis¬ 
solve the assembly. These oppressive restrictions had, in the event, 
an effect the reverse of that designed by the government of England; 
for, instead of uniting the colonies more closely to the crown, their 
operation, by irritating more and more the stern patriots of Massachu¬ 
setts, was, as will be seen, one of the principal causes of the separation 
of the colonies, from the/mother country. 


1692. 

Mass, obtains a 
new charter, en¬ 
larging her ter¬ 
ritories, but re¬ 
stricting her li¬ 
berties. 




84 


HISTORY OF THE 


Geographical notices of the country at the close of the Fourth Epocha, or 
in 1692, the date of the Fourth Map, Spc. 

The settlements in Virginia had, during this period, rapidly extended. 
Maryland, the settlement of which was hardly commenced at the date 
of the last Epocha, was now a flourishing colony, and divided into three 
counties. The settlement of New Jersey had commenced ; Elizabeth¬ 
town, Burlington, and Newark were founded. The present state of 
New Jersey was, at that period, divided into East and West Jersey: 
East Jersey alone contained 700 families. The colony of Pennsylva¬ 
nia, though recently formed, was flourishing. Philadelphia contained 
300 buildings. The province of New-York was divided into ten coun¬ 
ties, and contained nearly thirty towns. New-York had become an 
incorporated city. In Massachusetts many new towns had been founded, 
and several on the borders of Connecticut river, were formed into a 
county named Hampshire. The colony of Plymouth, which contained 
three counties, viz. Plymouth, Barnstable, and Bristol, had united with 
Massachusetts; Massachusetts ndw included the provinces of Maine 
and Nova Scotia, as far northward as the river St. Lawrence, also Eli¬ 
zabeth islands, and Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard. The colony 
of New Hampshire contained but four townships, but had separated 
from Massachusetts, and formed its own government. Connecticut 
contained twenty-six small towns, and Rhode Island nine. Settlements 
were made during this period in Carolina, one on the banks of the Cape 
Fear river, another between the Ashley and Cooper rivers, in which 
old Charlestown was founded, and a third around Albemarle sound. 
Carolina was divided into Berkley, Colleton, and Craven counties. 

Population. —Virginia contained 50,000 inhabitants; Maryland, 
16,000; New England, 120,000. Exact population of the other colo¬ 
nies unknown. 

Principal towns. —Jamestown, Philadelphia, New-York, Boston, Sa¬ 
lem, and St. Mary’s. Philadelphia contained 2,000 inhabitants, New- 
York nearly 6,000 ; and Boston 1,500 families. 

Militia. —New-York, 2,000 ; Connecticut, 2,500 ; Rhode Island, 
ten companies of foot. 

Revenue, Exports, c^c.—The revenue of Virginia, arising from the 
productions of the colony, of which tobacco was the principal, amounted 
to 100,000 pounds a year. The annual exports of New-York, besides 
peas, beef, pork, tobacco, and peltry, were about 60,000 bushels of 
wheat. The value of the exports from Connecticut were about 9,000 
pounds yearly. The exports from Rhode Island, consisted principally 
of horses and provisions; amount unknown. Massachusetts owned 
124 vessels of various sizes, and Connecticut twenty-four. 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


85 


Colleges ,—Harvard University was the only one in operation, but a 
charter had been obtained for William and Mary’s College, in Virginia. 


Catalogue of eminent men who died during the period ex¬ 
tending from 1643 to 1692. 

Thomas Hooker, first pastor of the church in Hart¬ 
ford, Conn.—author of “ Church Discipline,” and many 
volumes of Sermons. 

John Winthrop, first governor of Massachusetts. 

John Cotton, minister of Boston, an eminent divine 
—publications numerous, chiefly theological. 

Edward Winslow, governor of Plymouth colony. 

Miles Standish, first military commandant at Plymouth. 

William Bradford, second governor of Plymouth 
colony, and one of the first settlers of New England. 

Theophilus Eaton, first governor of New Haven. 

John Norton, a celebrated divine—author of “The 
Meritorious price of Man’s Redemption,” “ Orthodox 
Evangelist,” &c. 

Richard Nichols, governor of New-York and New 
Jersey. 

John Endicot, governor of Massachusetts. 

John Davenport, first minister of New Haven, and 
one of the founders of that colony—author of “ The 
Saint’s Anchor,” “ A Treatise upon Civil Government,” 
“ Sermons,” &;c. 

Charles Ciiauncey, D. D. president of Harvard Col¬ 
lege, and a distinguished scholar—published a volume of 
Sermons. 

John Yeamans, governor of South Carolina. 

Leonard Calvert, first governor of Maryland. 

John Winthrop, governor of Connecticut. 

William Berkley, governor of Virginia. 

William Coddington, the founder of the colony, and 
a distinguished patriot of Rhode Island. 

Roger Williams, governor, and a distinguished pa¬ 
triot of' Providence plantations—author of “ Truth and 
Peace.” 

Thomas Dongan, governor of New-York. 

Edward Randolph, an agent sent from Great Britain, 
to ascertain the state of the New England colonies, dec. 

John Elliot, called the apostle to the Indians—author 
of “ Tears of Repentance,” “ Jews in America^” dec. 


Year in which 
they died. 


1647 . 

1649 . 

1652 . 

1655 . 

1656 . 

1657 . 

1663 . 


Unknown. 

1665 . 

1670 . 

1671 . 

Unknown. 

1676 . 

1677 . 

1678 . 

1683 . 

Unknown. 

Unknown. 

1690 . 


86 


HISTORY OF THE 


PART V. 

COMPRISES THE EVENTS WHICH OCCURRED FROM THE 
Massachusetts obtains | FOURTH EPOCHA^ 1692^ | a new charter, &-c. 

TO THE 


First settlement of i ^ i-voo ^ Oglethorpe seeks the 

Georgia made by Gen. > FIFTH EPOCHA, 17.5^. ^ fri^dship of the Indian 
Oglethorpe i and others. ) ( chiefs. 


SECTION 1. 

1692. Sir William Phipps arrived at Boston, May 14, 1692, 

Sir Wm. Phipps bearing the new charter, and a commission, constituting 
arrives with a ^ o 

new charter. him governor and captain general of Massachusetts. 

- He was received with the most flattering tokens of dis- 

tinction, and entered immediately upon the duties of his office. 

Amidst the distresses under which the New England colonies la¬ 
boured, from the war with'the French and Indians, others of a dif- 
ferent, though not less destructive nature, opened upon the people of 
Superstition re- Massachusetts, in 1692. This is the period of what is 
spectmg witch- called the “ Salem witchcraft.” This delusion, with re- 

- spect to the supposed intercourse with evil spirits, the 

first settlers brought with them from the mother country. Laws 
making witchcraft a capital crime, existed in England, and were earfy 
enacted in Massachusetts. The mania began in Springfield, in 1645, 
when some individuals were accused of witchcraft, but were at last ac¬ 
quitted. Some few years after, persons at Charlestown, Dorchester, 
and Cambridge, were accused, and actually executed for the supposed 
offence. But Salem was the devoted place where this weakness was 
converted into a phrensy. The belief of this fearful and mysterious 
evil, had prepossessed the public mind, when some young women, 
perhaps in part deluded by their own imaginations, complained of being 
strangely affected. Their complaints, attributed to this alarming cause, 
were reported, and doubtless magnified, until ^hev became objects of 




REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


87 


universal attention, and those who experienced them, prime heroines 
in a gossiping and credulous neighbourhood. This, doubtless, encou¬ 
raged others to set up for the same distinction. Witches, of course, 
increased with the number bewitched. At first, it was old women only, 
who were suspected of having leagued with the devil, to inflict upon 
the diseased, the various torments which they asserted that they felt; 
and which they often appeared to the spectators actually to feel. The 
magistrates, partaking of the general mania, pursued a course, which 
placed the accuse^ in situations, where “ they had need to be ma¬ 
gicians not to be convicted of magic.” They confronted them wdth 
those who accused them, and asked. Why do you afflict these children ? 
If answered, I do not afflict them, they commanded them to look-upon 
them; at which the children would fall into fits, and then declare they 
were thus troubled by the persons apprehended. On such evidence 
were these unfortunate persons condemned to execution. 

Advantage was doubtless taken of this state of things, to gratify pri¬ 
vate resentment or rivalry. The accused were no longer old and poor 
women only, but witches were found of every age, in every rank and 
situation. More than a hundred women, many of them of fair cha¬ 
racters and reputable families, were apprehended, examined, and ge¬ 
nerally committed to prison. Twenty suffered death. No person was 
safe; and the lives of the best were at the mercy of the most worthless 
of the community. 

Society now saw its error, and was struck with remorse. The pri¬ 
son doors were opened, and all confined for witchcraft set free. Seve¬ 
ral of the jurors, and one of the judges, who had assisted at these trials, 
voluntarily made public confessions, and asked pardon of God and 
man; and a day of public penance and prayer was ordained to be'ob- 
served by all, for their common sin. 

Gov. Sloughter died in 1691 ; and in 1692, Col. Benjamin Fletcher 
arrived with the commission of governor. Gov. Fletcher was a good 
soldier, and having fortunately secured the friendship of Major Schuy¬ 
ler, he was, by his advice, enabled to conduct the Indian affairs of the 
colony, to the acceptance of the people. He was, however, avaricious, 
irascible, and a bigot to his own mode of faith, which was that of the 
church of England. Under pretence of introducing uni- 
formity into the language and literature, as well as the 
religion of the colony, the inhabitants of which were a 
heterogeneous mixture of Hutch and English, he brought 
into the assembly, a bill for the settlement, throughout 
the province, of Episcopalian^ ministers, such as should be by himself 
selected. The assembly, after much debate, agreed that ministers 
should be settled in certain parishes, but left the choice to the people. 
This was very oflTensive to the governor, who, after an angry speech, 


1693 . 

Gov. Fletcher 
introduces Epis¬ 
copacy into New 
York. 



88 


HISTORY OF THE 


1692. 

\Vm. Penn de¬ 
prived, for two 
years, of the 
Gov’t of Pa. 


dissolved the assembly. Episcopalian ministers were, however, settled 
in several parishes; and thus ^yas introduced a religious order, which* 
at this day, forms so respectable a portion of the population of the state. 

Col. Fletcher was empowered to take command of the 

Conn, rnilitia re- militia and ffan ison of Connecticut. That colony imme- 
fuse obedience ^ 

to Fletcher. diately despatched General Winthrop as an agent to re- 
~ monstrate with the king and council against this extra¬ 
ordinary power Col. Fletcher, however, went to Hartford, in 1693, and, 
in his majesty’s name, demanded the surrender of the militia to his com¬ 
mand ; but, after a resolute and spirited refusal on the part of Connec¬ 
ticut, the demand was v/ithdrawn. 

William Penn, still in England, had fallen under the displeasure of 
King William, from a suspicion of his holding a treason¬ 
able correspondence with the exiled Kuig James, and on 
vague charges to this effect, he was a number of times • 
imprisoned. In 1092, the government of Pennsylvania 

- was taken from him, and Fletcher appointed by the 

crown, governor of that province. After the most severe scrutiny, the 
conduct of Penn, was, however, found to be irreproachable ; and in 
1694, he was restored to the favour of the king, and reinstated in his 
government; but not immediately returning to Pennsylvania, he ap¬ 
pointed William Markham to be his deputy governor. 

In 1693, at the request of the Carolinians, the consti¬ 
tution of Mr. Locke was abrogated by the proprietors, 
and each colony was afterwards ruled by a governor, 
council, and house of representatives. 

The war still continuing between England and.France, in 1693, an 
English fleet, under Sir Francis Wheeler, then in the West Indies, was 
ordered to repair to Quebec, to act conjointly with forces from New 
England, in the reduction of Canada. This expedition was prevented 
by the prevalence of a malignant fever, which destroyed most of the / 
troops belonging to the fleet. 

1694 French in Canada and Nova Scotia, by giving 

Settlements on premiums for scalps, and purchasing the English pri- 

Oyster river de- soners. Stimulated the eastern Indians to constant hosti- 
stroyed. 

- lities. In 1694, the settlements on Oyster river were 

surprised, twenty houses burned, and one hundred of the inhabitants 
murdered, or carried into captivity. 

Sir William Phipps, for the purpose of securing Acadia to Mas- 
Gov’t of Mass, sachusetts, had erected a fort at Pemaquid, which was 
^cadfa^ considered as controlling the whole of that province, 

_ over which the government of Massachusetts was now 

extended. The inhabitants, having been so long.under the control of 
France, it was soon perceived that authority could only be maintained 


1693. 

Mr. Locke’s 
constitution 
abrogated. 







REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


89 


by a military force, which it would be too burdensome to support. 
Thus situated, Villeborne, who was commissioned by the king of France, 
as governor of Acadia, easily recovered Port Royal. About the same 
time, a force, under Iberville was sent to destroy the iggg 
fort at Pemaquid. Ibeiwille was joined by the Baron Tlie French re- 
Castine, with two hundred Indians, and on the 14th of cover Port Royal 

. . , , ^ and Pemaquid. 

August, they invested the fort. The garrison soon --— 

capitulated, and the fortifications, which had been erected at great 
expense, were demolished. 

The Baron Castine was a French nobleman, who had „ 

- „ Baron Castine. 

seated himsell on the east side oi the Penobscot, in the -- 

present town of Castine, and before the commencement of this wal*, 
as well as during its continuance, appears to have been the instigator of 
the Indians in their attacks on the English settlements. To promote 
his designs, he married, and had living with him, at one time, six Indian 
wives. Ho had, at the same time, several Roman Catholic priests, 
at his palace. By their aid, and the efibrts of his own genius, he ac¬ 
quired great influence over the natives. He not only furnished them 
fire-arms, but taught them their use; and such was his success, that 
at the commencement of Philip’s war, the knowledge of gunpowder 
and fire-arms was universally extended among the savages in the 
northern part of New England. The baron was considered the most 
dangerous enemy of the English, and they, at various times, attempted 
to capture him ; but, though his fortress was taken and plundered, his 
person could never be secured. The encroachments of the French 
alarmed the people of New Hampshire; and Capt. Church was sent 
with a body of troops to check their further progress. 1(590 
Proceeding to Acadia, he committed depredations on the Expedition 
pTench inhabitants, and made an unsuccessful effort to 

dislodge Villeborne from his fort on the river St. John. —- 

The whole of Acadia, notwithstanding this inadequate resistance, ap¬ 
pears to have become independent of Massachusetts, and to have re¬ 


sumed its allegiance to France. 

Dissensions still continued in Carolina, between the proprietary go¬ 
vernors and the inhabitants. Discord arose, in consequence of the 
English Episcopalians being unwilling to comply with the request of 
the proprietors, to admit the French Protestants, who had settled in the 
colony, to a seat in the assembly. Considering the Dissensions in 
French as their hereditary enemies, and regarding their Carolina, 
diflerence of religion, with all the bitterness of the times, 
the English could not be reconciled to their participating in the rights of 
freemen. They effected to consider them as foreigners, and proceeded 
to enforce the laws of England against them, as such. They even 
declared that marriages solemnized by French ministers were void ; 


12 






90 


HISTORY OF THE 


and that their estates could not descend to their children. The protes- 
tants, countenanced by the proprietary governor, peaceably submitted 
for a time, to the discouragements of such a situation; and remained 
in the province, hoping for a favourable change. 

The people, still complaining of their governors, and quarrelling 
among themselves, John Archdale, one of the proprietors was sent 
from England in 1G95, as governor of North and South Carolina, with 

1695. power to redress all grievances. Having restored 

Gov. Archdale order, the next year, he left the country, with the pros- 

restores o _ pect of future peace ; but without giving to the French. 

the immediate possession of all their civil privileges. In a few years, 

however, their correct deportment overcame all prejudice, and they 

were admitted to the rights of citizens and freemen. 

... , About this time a vessel from Madagascar touched at 

Ricc introduced i .-t 

from Africa. Carolina. The captain presented Governor Archdale 

with a bag of seed rice, giving him, at the same time, in¬ 
structions as to the manner of its culture. The seed was divided among 
several planters, and from this accident arose the cultivation of this vege • 
table, which has since proved so much a staple commodity in Carolina. 

In 1697, the French in. Canada planned an attack on 
the English colonies, and a large fleet, under the Marquis 
de Nesmond, an officer of distinguished braveiy, was 
sent from France, to co-operate in the design. De Nes 
mond was ordered by his sovereign, to proceed to New 
foundland, and there secure the conquests which the French had re¬ 
cently made. He was next, to unite his forces with those of Frontenac, 
tlie governor of Canada; and jointly with him make a descent upon 
Boston ; range the coast of New England, and burn the shipping : and 
if time allowed, proceed to New-York, and reduce that place. The 
troops under Frontenac, were then to return through the interior of the 
country to Canada. The inhabitants of New England were greatly 
alarmed, at the intelligence of this invasion, and made every exertion 
to prepare themselves for defence. Fortunately for them, De Nesmond 
lu'rived too late in the season for the accomplishment of his purpose ; 
and of this extensive plan, so formidable in prospect, no other evils were 
experienced by the colonies, than a distressing alarm and an expen¬ 
sive preparation for defence. 

jggiy In September of this year, 1697, a peace was con- 

Peace of Ryswic eluded between France and England at Ryswic, in Ger- 
many. By the treaty of Ryswic it was stipulated that 

- France and England should mutually restore to each 

other all conquests made during the war. The rights and pretensions 
of each to certain places, were, however, left indefinite, and were to be 
determined at some future day, by commissioners. Hence, the country 


1697. 

Unsuccessful at¬ 
tempt of the 
French to de¬ 
stroy the norlh- 
ern colonies. 






REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


01 


eastward of the Kennebec, and the fisheries of Newfoundland, were 
open to the claims of both nations, and were afterwards sources of con¬ 
troversy. 

In December, the peace of Ryswic was proclaimed at Boston, and 
hostilities with the French in Canada immediately ceased. The In¬ 
dians continued their depredations a short time after this event; but, in 
the course of the next year, general tranquillity was restored. During 
this war, which was generally called “ King William’s war,” Massa¬ 
chusetts, equally with New Hampshire, suffered from perpetual and 
distressing incursions of the savages. The frontiers of New-York 
were in a great degree covered by the Five Nations; over whom Ma- 
jor Schuyler possessed such influence, as to defeat the exertions of 
Frontenac, to estrange them from the English. 

Richard, earl of Bellamont, was appointed to succeed Colonel 
Fletcher in the government of New-York, in 1695, but did not receive 
his commission till 1697. He delayed his voyage until after the peace of 
Ryswic, when he was blown off the coast at Barbadoes, and did not arrive 
in New-York till 1698, Fletcher having remained gover- 1698 
nor until this period. During the late wars the seas were Bellamont suc- 
infested with English pirates, some of which had sailed 
out of New-York; and Fletcher was suspected of^having countenanced 
them. Bellamont was particularly instructed “ to put a stop to the 
growth of piracy,” and for this purpose, was promoted to the command, 
not of New-York only, but of Massachusetts Bay and New Hampshire. 
As no assistance was afiorded by government for tliis purpose, a private 
adventure against the pirates was agreed on; and one Kid was recom¬ 
mended to the earl, as a man of integrity and- courage, 

who well knew the pirates and their places of rendezvous._ 

Kid undertook the expedition, and sailed from New-York; but he soon 
turned pirate himself. After some time, he burnt his ship and returned 
to the colonies. There is a vague tradition still existing, that he brought 
large quantities of money, which he caused to be concealed in the 
earth.* He was apprehended at Boston, sent to England for his trial, 
and there condemned and executed. 


* Of all the superstitions existing in the eastern section of the United States, that concern¬ 
ing Kid’s money is probably the most singular and the most extensive. There is scarcely 
an old person who cannot give accounts of those who have dug to find it, and scarcely a 
town, whose soil has not at some period been disturbed for the same purpose. The devil 
seems, for some reason, to exercise particular guardianship over this treasure; and, as is 
said, just as the labourer lias dug so far as to see the chest, he rises up in some terrific form, 
and frightens him away; or more frequently he maliciously moves the chest, or sinks it deeper. 
The great art of getting at the money is to consist in finding some method of taking off 
the devil’s attention, until the chest can be seized. For this purpose, the most ridiculous 
scenes have been acted, under the direction of those, who taking advantage of the popular 
superstition* have acted much the same part as the conjurers of eastern countries. In one 




02 


HISTORY OF THE 


The administration of Bellamont was attended with many difficulties, 
not only from the depredations of the pirates, but from the embarrassed 
and divided state of the colony. Fletcher, who had been influenced 
in his administration by the enemies of Leisler, was the leader of the 
Anti-Leislerians; and the numerous adherents of that deluded man 
devoted themselves to Bellamont, as the head of their party. Bellamont 
died in 1701. Nanfan, the Lieutenant governor, was in 
the Barbadoes at this time, but soon after arrived and 
took upon himself the supreme command, until the next 
year, when Lord Cornbury was elected. 

In 1699, William Penn again visited his colony. 
Finding great complaint and disaffection under the pre¬ 
sent government, Penn, in 1701, granted them a new 
charter. The charter gave to the assembly the right of 
originating bills, which, by th« previous charter, was the right of the 
governor alone; and of amending or rejecting those which might be 
laid before them. To the governor it gave the right of rejecting bills 
passed by the assembly, of appointing his own council, and of exer¬ 
cising the whole executive power. This charter was accepted by the 
assembly, although it did not satisfy the discontents of the people. T'he 
1703. territories rejected it altogether; and in 1703, were al¬ 
lowed to form a separate assembly; Penn still appointing 
the same governor over both provinces. Immediately 
afler this third charter was granted, Penn returned to England, and the 
executive authority was afterwards administered by deputy governors, 
appointed by himself. 


1702 . 

Cornbury suc¬ 
ceeds Bellarnoni. 


1699 . 

Third charter 
granted to Penn¬ 
sylvania. 


Territories sepa 
rate from Pa. 


instance, a circle was drawn about the diggers, and others were employed to move around it 
in a kind of dance, shaking their hands in a singular manner; but it seems the devil was 
not so much diverted with these manoeuvres as was expected, as we do not learn that they 
found any money. At another time, a man, who used a witch hcizel rod, gave information 
that ho had foundTo a certainty, where the money was concealed, and informed the people 
that if they would find a fiddler who could play a dancing tune for a long time, without 
missing a note, after a while, the devil perforce must begin dancing, and could not stop until 
the musician missed a note. Every thing was done accordinglythe people dug, the musi¬ 
cian played, and the director stood with his rod in his hand. At last the musician missed 
a note, at which the diviner immediately perceived, by means of his rod, that the devil, re¬ 
leased from his enchantment, had at once sunk the chest to such a hopeless depth, that it 
would be in vain to dig longer. Singular as it may appear, thousands of our people have 
been, and some still are engaged in this ridiculous search. It is mortifying to acknowledge 
that so weak a superstition still exists in our enlightened country, where we so justly boast 
Ujat the means of information are extended to all. 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. ’ 


93 


SECTION 11. 

The increase of the number of proprietors in West 1702 

Jersey, had introduced great confusion^ into the govern- Government of 

ment of that province; disputes constantly arising, not ^dered^to^'lie 

only among the settlers, but between the proprietors crown, and uni- 
. , ^ . . I r ted to E. Jersey. 

themselves. On this account, in 1702, they surrendered - 

the right of government to the crown. Queen Anne united it with 
East Jersey, and appointed Lord Cornbury, governor over the province. 
This princess, daughter of James II. had during this year, succeeded, 
on the decease of King William, to the British throne. 

The fears of England, that her American colonies, would finally 
throw off her yoke, and erect an independent government appears to 
have increased with their growing strength. During the preceding 
year, a bill had been brought into the house of commons, 1701 
to unite all the charter governments to the crown ; but it Attempt to unite 
was defeated ; an agent of the colonies being present, in v^nmeSs^o 
the house of lords, to defend their rights. _ 

The governors appointed by the crown, had hitherto been supported 
by the voluntary appropriations of the colonial assemblies. The govern¬ 
ment of England perceived, that, by leaving their governors depend¬ 
ent for their salaries, on the pleasure of those they go- 1702 
verned, they would be likely to* subserve their interests. Dispute respect- 

rather than that of the crown : and in 1702, Sir Joseph salaues., __ 

Dudley, who arrived as governor of Massachusetts, laid before the 
assembly, his instructions from the queen, to demand for himself, and 
the other officers of the crown, a settled, and permanent salary. The 
assembly, declaring it not agreeable to their present constitution, de¬ 
clined complying with this request. In the other colonies, the same 
attempt was made, by the royal governors, but notwithstanding their 
demands met with opposition, they were finally successful. In Massa¬ 
chusetts, this was but the commencement of a series of controversies, 
between the reprentatives of the crown, and the representatives of the 
people, which were continued, through many succeeding years. 

The peace of Ryswic was of short duration. The seeds of w’ar 
were amply sown both in Europe and America. Louis XIV. of 
France, had violated former treaties, by placing his grandson, the 
duke of Anjou, on the throne of Spain, and proclaiming, as king of 
England, Charles Edward, the son of James 11. commonly called the 
Pretender. In America, he claimed, not only all Acadia, but gave 
orders to Villeborne, his governor, to extend the limits as far as Ken¬ 
nebec. He claimed also the exclusive right to the fisheries on the 





94 


HISTORY OF THE 


1702. coast, and gave express orders for seizing all English 
Great Britain at yessels which should be found fishing upon them. In 
and Spain. May, 1702, war was proclaimed in England, both against 
France and Spain, and their American colonies took an 
active part in the contest. 

Before official intelligence had been received, of the declaration oI 
war against Spain, Governor Moore, of South Carolina, proposed to 
the assembly of that colony, an expedition against St. Augustine, 
(Florida.) It received their approbation, and a party of Indians and 
militia, under the enterprising Col. Daniel proceeded bv 

Attempt on St. • i i i i 

Augustine, by land; while Gov. Moore, witli the mam bod)^, were trans- 

Col^ l>inid })0rted by water. Col. Daniel entered, and plundered 
- the town; but the Spaniards, with their money and va¬ 
luables, had retired to the castle. Gov. Moore, on his arrival, found 
that more artillery would be requisite, to dislodge them from thence, 
and despatched Col. Daniel to Jamaica, to obtain it. During his ab¬ 
sence, the sight of two Spanish ships in the harbour, so intimidated the 
governor, that he abandoned the siege, and fled precipitately by land 
to Carolina. By this disgraceful flight, he encountered reproach and 
odium } and instead of enriching himself, or his companions, which had 
been the great object of his enterprise, he entailed a heavy debt upon 
the colony; to discharge which, the first paper currency was issued 
in Carolina. 

Soon after his return, he sought to restore public confidence, by an 
expedition against the Appalachian Indians, whom the Spaniards had 

1703 instigated to insolence and hostility. At the head of a 

Gov. Moore de- body of English, and Indian allies, he marched into the 

feats the Appa- their settlements, and laid in a.shes their towns, 

lachian Indians. ’ * 

- between the Savannah and Altamaha rivers. The cap¬ 
tives which were taken, the avaricious governor employed in cultiva- 
ting his fields, while others were sold for his personal emolument. 

While the southern colonies were at war wth the Spaniards of Flo¬ 
rida, those of the north had a more formidable enemy to encounter, in 
the French and Indians of Canada. Notwithstanding 
dian hostilities. lli^G eastern Indians had given a solemn assurance, of 
their determination, to remain at peace with New Eng¬ 
land ; yet they now commenced hostilities, and devastated the whole 
country, from Casco to Wells. 

Deerfield being the frontier town on Connecticut river, 
soon attracted their attention. In February, 1704, a party ^ 
of three hundred French and Indians, under Heurtel de 
Rouville, surprised the place at midnight. The sentinel 
of the fort being asleep, and the snow of such a depth as to allow them 
to pass over the palisades, they silently entered, and sent parties in 


1704. 

Deerfield de¬ 
stroyed. 






95 


REPUBUC OF AMERICA. 

every direction, who scalped and murdered, or secured as prisoners, 
the wretched inhabitants. Only a small number escaped by flight. 
Forty-seven were killed, and one hundred and twelve carried captive to 
Cajiada.* S' 

The eastern quarter of New England was also harassed 
during the whole summer, by the predatory attacks of 1704. 
the trench and Indians, Roused by the inhumanities featsaiTFrendl 

committed at Deerfield, the veteran warrior, Benjamin - 

Church, immediately mounted on horseback, and rode seventy miles, 
to offer his services to Gov. Dudley, in behalf of his distressed fellow 
citizens. Ho Was sent with 500 soldiers to the eastern coast of New 
England, to attack the enemy in their own settlements ; and ascending 
the Penobscot and St. Croix rivers, he destroyed several of their towns, 
and took a considerable number of prisoners. ' 

During the autumn, the French experienced a severe loss, in the 
capture of a large and richly laden store ship, which prevented any im¬ 
portant military operations during the following year. 

Ill 1705, Vaudreuil, the governor of Canada, proposed 1705. 
to Gov. Dudley, a treaty of neutrality. Dudley pro- l^xchangeofpri- 

tracted the negotiation, under the pretence of consulting ___ 

the other English governors; during which time, arrangements were 
made for an exchange of prisoners, and, by this management, a large 
proportion of those taken at Deerfield, were finally released. In the 
years 1706 and 1707, small parties of French and Indians hovered 
about the frontiers, burning, scalping, and taking prisoners, whenever 
opportunity presented. 

^ In 1706, the first Episcopal church in Connecticut was 1706. 
established at Stratford. About this time, Carolina was Frencha_nd Spa- 
thrown into consternation by the intelligence of a de- Carolina. 

signed invasion of the French and Spaniards. Every - 

precaution was immediately taken by Gov. Johnson, to put the country 
in a state of defence. The necessity of this exertion was manifest, on 
the appearailce of five vessels off Charleston harbour, under Monsieur 
Le Feboure. The French had been aided in this enterprise by the go¬ 
vernors of Havana and St. Augustine. But Le Feboure had sailed too 
hastily, before he was prepared for the expedition; and lefl Monsieur 

* Early in the assault, the house of the Rev. John Williams, the minister of the place, 
was attacked by about twenty Indians, who, after murdering two of his children, secured as 
prisoners, himself, his wife, and his five remaining children. Mrs. Williams, being too 
feeble to endure the fatigues of a march to Canada, was murdered by the Indians soon after 
leaving Deerfield. Mr. Williams and his children, after severe suffering, arrived in Canada. 
After remaining some time, tliey were all finally redeemed, with the exception of one daugh¬ 
ter, who chose to continue among the savages. She adopted their manners and customs, 
and rmrried one of their number. One of her descendants has been educated in New Eng¬ 
land, and is now a useful minister of the gospel among the Indians. 





9G 


HISTORY OF THE 


Arbuset, who commanded the land forces, to come after him. This was 
one principal reason of the failure of his adventure. He demanded a sur¬ 
render of the town, and landed a few of his troops ; hut he was received 
with such spirit, that within a few days he made a precipitate depar- 
ture ; and a scattering party was left on shore and taken. Some days 
after. Monsieur Arbuset appeared on the coast, and landed a number 
of men at Sewee bay. William Rhett, a man of spirit and conduct, 
who had driven Le Feboure from the coast, sailed to the bay. Capt. 
Fenwick, at the same time, attacked the enemy by land; when, after 
a sharp fire, they fled to their ship. Rhett soon coming to his assist¬ 
ance, took the ship, and about ninety prisoners. This ended the invasion 
under Monsieur Le Feboure. 

In 1707, New England fitted out an expedition against Port Royal, 
but the attack proved unsuccessful, and the adventurers returned with¬ 
out accomplishing any important service. 

In 1708, a party of French and Indians plundered and 

burned Haverhill, on the Merrimac river; about forty 
Haverhill vn i i ^ 

burned. persons were killed, and many were taken prisoners. 

-- Small parties of the enemy made frequent incursions 


during the season. 

In 1708, the churches of Connecticut met at Saybrook to form an 
ecclesiastical constitution. They framed the famous Say. 
constitution of brook Platform, which was unanimously recommended 
Saybrook. by the elders of the churches, and adopted as the reli- 

gious constitution of the colony.* * 

Lord Cornbury, during his administration in New-York and New 
Jersey, by his avaricious and despotic government, rendered himself 
detested by the people. He was profligate and unprin- 
S’miS’ation'' = Squandering, for his own use, large sums of mo- 

in New-York. ney, which had been appropriated for public purposes, 
and left to his disposal as governor. In 1708, the as¬ 
semblies of New-York and New Jersey, no longer willing to submit to 
his government, drew up a complaint against him, and ^ent it to the 
• queen, who removed him from his office, and appointed 
.1708. Lord Lovelace in his room. Lord Cornbury was thrown 
by Lovelace. ^7 ^is Creditors into the custody of the sheriff of New- 
York, where he remained until the death of his father, the 
earl of Clarendon, when, succeeding to his title and estate, he returned 
1710 England. The administration of Lovelace was short. 

Sir R. Hunter and, on liis death, the government devolved on Col. In- 
succeedsLore- golsby, the lieutenant governor. In 1710, Sir Robert Ilun. 

ter arrived from England as governor of the province. 


* See Appendix H. 







REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


97 


In 1707, another colony of French Protestants settled on a branch 
of the Neuse river, in Carolina. The Palatines of Germany, having 
been reduced to great indigence by the wars in that coun- 
try, went to England, to solicit the charity of Queen 1710. 
Anne; and this princess assisted them to make settle- proviSl! 

ments in America. Having obtained for them grants of - 

land, about six or seven thousand arrived during the year 1710, and 
planted themselves in the provinces of New-York, Pennsylvania, Vir- 
ginia, and Carolina. 

In 1709, extensive plans were laid, and preparations 
commenced, both in England and her American colonies, 
for the reduction of the French power in North America. 

More important affairs, however, for a time diverted the 
attention of the parent country, and prevented the accomplishment of 
their purposes. The depredations of the enemy continuing on the 
frontiers, the colonists, the following year, solicited and obtained from 
Queen Anne, a naval force for the reduction of Canada. The fleet 
destined for the service, was unexpectedly detained, and it was not 
thought expedient to attempt any thing of great magnitude ; and no¬ 
thing was done, except that a body of troops raised in the 
colonies, under the command of Col. Nicholson, sailed 17 ^ 
from Boston, in a fleet, part of which he had brought ture Port Royal* 


1709. 

Plans for the re¬ 
duction of the 
F rench power. 


1711. 

Great prepara¬ 
tions made lor 
the conquest of 
Canada. 


from England, and besieged Port Royal; which, after a 
few days’ resistance, surrendered, and its name, in honour of the queen, 
was changed to Annapolis. 

Not long after. Col. Nicholson sailed for England, to 
solicit aid in another expedition against Canada, and re¬ 
turned in June 1711, with orders for the northern pro¬ 
vinces to prepare their quotas of troops and provisions, 
to co-operate with a naval and land force, which was to 
be sent from England. Sixteen days after this order was received, 
and before the requisite preparations could be made, the English squad¬ 
ron, under Admiral Walker, reached Boston. Every possible exertion 
was made, and, in five weeks, two considerable armies were raised in 
the colonies. On the 30th of July, Admiral Walker, with his own 
troops, and two regiments of provincials, their whole force amounting 
to 7000, sailed from Boston, and proceeded to the mouth of the St. 
Lawrence, where they met with contrary winds and thick fogs, and the 
English pilots being unwilling to receive the counsel of the American 

seamen, the vessels were driven among the rocks, and 

• r .u X ..X -xi. xi. 1 Misfortune of 

eight or nine of the transports, with one thousand men, tiie fleet. 

were lost. Among them, however, was not one American. —-- 

The admiral then bore away for Spanish River Bay in Cape Breton, 
where, in a council of officers, it was judged inexpedient to proceed 

13 







98 


HISTORY OF THE 


with the enterprise. The fleet returned to England, and the provin¬ 
cials to Boston. 

Meanwhile, the forces of Connecticut, New-York, and New Jersey, 
had assembled at Albany, whither Col. Nicholson had repaired, to take 
the command, with orders to penetrate into Canada, by lake Champlain. 
He marched towards lake George with 4000 troops, including a body 
of Mohawks; but halting at Wood Creek, he received intelligence of 
the disaster of the fleet, and returned to Albany. Thus, 
tum^and^t^he^en- great mortification of the colonists, failed an at- 

terprise fails. tempt to Conquer Canada, on which they had placed the 
- most confident reliance of success. 


SECTION III. 

1712. In 1712, the Tuscaroras, and other Indians of North 

Indian war 111 Carolina, formed, with all the cruel subtlety of the sa- 
iVortii Carolina. ’ ’ . . . 

_ vage character, a plot for exterminating the entire white 

population. Having kept their design profoundly secret, until the night 
fixed for its execution had arrived, they entered the houses of the set¬ 
tlers on the Roanoke, most of whom were the poor Palatines, who had 
recently settled in the country, and murdered a great number of their 
men, women, and children. A few who escaped, gave the alarm, and 
the remaining inhabitants, collecting in one place, were guarded night 
and day, until aid could be received from South Carolina. Six hun¬ 
dred militia, and three hundred and sixty-six Indians, under Capt. Barn- 
well, were immediately sent from this colony to their relief. Although 
a wilderness at this time separated the northern from the southern set¬ 
tlements of Carolina, yet Capt. Barnwell penetrated it, attacked the In- 
dians, killed three hundred, and took one hundred prisoners. Those 
who survived, fled to the chief town of the Tuscaroras, where they had 
erected a wooden breastwork for their security; but here Capt. Barn¬ 
well having surrounded them, they at last sued for peace. The Tus¬ 
caroras had lost 1000 men in the course of this war, and 
soon after, they left their country, and united with the 
Iroquois. It was in order to defray the expenses of this 
expedition, that South Carolina first resorted to the expe¬ 
dient of a bank. 

After the return of Nicholson, the governor of Canada, 
being relieved from the fears of an invasion, sent out par¬ 
ties in various directions; but no event of importance 
occurred during the war, winch was ended in Europe by 
the treaty of Utrecht. 


Tuscaroras 
unite with the 
Iroquois. 

South Carolina 
establishes a 
bank. 


1713. 

Treaty of 
Utrecht closes 
Queen Anne’s 
war. 






REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


99 


This wax, commonly ca,lled ‘‘ Queen Anne’s war,” Effects of this 

which had for ten years exposed the frontiers to conti- _ 

nued attacks from a savage foe, was a great check to the prosperity of 
New England, and effectually prevented the progress of settlements to 
the north and east. The inhabitants had been constantly harassed 
with calls for military service, and were also obliged to watch day and 
night, lest they should be surprised and murdered, or, what seemed 
more to be dreaded, doomed to savage captivity. Agriculture was 
consequently neglected, a heavy public debt incurred, and a state 
of general depression experienced. The frontiers of New-York, from 
being protected by the Five Nations, had suffered little molestation. A 
lucrative trade was carried on with these Indians; and the Dutch traders 
at Albany and Schenectady, sometimes permitted the Indians of Canada 
to pass through the northern parts of the province, in their attacks on 
the frontiers of New England, that they might enjoy the benefit of their 
plunder. Col. Schuyler, however, frequently obtained knowledge of 
their designs, and generously notified the people of Massachusetts of 
the places marked for destruction. 

Massachusetts, to defray the expenses of the late war, had made such 
large emissions of paper money, that gold and silver were banished 
from the province. The paper depreciated, and the usual commercial 
evils ensued. The attention of the colony was directed 
to remedy these, and three parties were formed—“ the 
first,” says Marshall, “ a very small one, actuated by the 
principle which ought always to govern—that honesty is 
the best policy, were in favour of calling in the paper 
money, and rel 5 nng on the industry of the people to replace it with a 
circulating medium of greater stability.” The second, which was nu¬ 
merous, were in favour of a private bank; the bills not redeemable in 
specie, but landed security to be given. The third party were for a 
public bank, the faith of the government to be pledged for the value of 
the notes, and the profits accruing from the bank, to be applied for its 
support. This party prevailed; and fifty thousand pounds, in bills of 
credit, were issued. 

In 1714 Queen Anne died, and George I. of the House of Brunswick, 
ascended the throne of England. In 1715, the Yamassees, who resi- 
ded northeast of the Savannah river, secretly instigated j 7 j 5 
a combination of all the Indians, from Florida to Cape 
Fear, against South Carolina. The Creeks, Appala- South Carolina, 
chians, Cherokees, Catawbas, and Congarees, engaged 
in the enterprise, and it was computed that their whole force exceeded 
six thousand fighting men. The southern tribes fell suddenly on the 
traders, settled among them, and advancing against the plantations, in 
the vicinity of Port Royal, in a few hours, ninety persons were massa- 


Means proposed 
in Mass, in con¬ 
sequence of the 
depreciation of 
paper currency. 





100 


fflSTORY OF THE 


cred. Some of the inhabitants fled precipitately to Charleston, and 
gave the alarm. At the same time that these tribes were thus invading 
the southern frontier, formidable parties were penetrating the northern 
parts, and approaching Charleston. They were repulsed by the militia, 
but their route was marked by desolation and murder. Gov. Craven 
immediately adopted the most energetic and judicious measures. 
Though he could muster no more than 1200 men, yet, placing himself 
at their head, he marched towards the southern frontier, against the 
strongest body of the enemy, and cautiously advanced, till he arrived 
at a place called Salt Catchers, where they had pitched their great 
camp ; and here an obstinate and bloody battle was fought. The In¬ 
dians were totally defeated, and the governor, pressing upon them, 
drove them from their territory, and pursued them over the Savannah; 

where they were hospitably received by the Spaniards, 
of Florida. Here they remained, and, long afterwards, 
made incursions into Carolina. Nearly 400 of the 
Carolinians were slain in this war. 

In the year 1716. the government of Maryland, which, 
since the revolution in England, had been held by the 
crown, was restored to Charles, (Lord Baltimore,) the 
proprietor; and continued in his hands, and those of his 
successors, until the American revolution. 

New Orleans, in Louisiana, was laid out, by the 
French, in the spring of 1717, and named in honour of 
the duke of Orleans, then regent of France, during the 
minority of Louis XV. 

In 1719, more than one hundred families, emigrated 
from the north of Ireland, and settled in the town of 
Londonderry, in New Hampshire. They introduced 
the foot spinning-wheel, the manufacture of linen, and the culture of 
potatoes. 

A phenomenon, singular at the time, and not yet satisfactorily ex- 
Aurora Borealis. plained, alarmed the people of New England, in 1719. 
- This was the Aurora Borealis, first noticed in the coun¬ 
try on the night of the 17th of December. Its appearance, according 
to the writers of the day, was more calculated to excite terror, than 
later appearances of the same kind.* * 

, Q la 1719, Peter Schuyler, so often mentioned, as the 

c , 1 *, mediator between the whites and Indians, succeeded Gov. 

governor of N.Y. Hunter, in the government of New-York; he being the 

oldest member of the council. Commissioners were, at 
this time, appointed to draw the line of partition between the provinces 
of New-York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. 


The Yamassecs 
settle in Florida. 


1716. 

Gov’t, of Mary¬ 
land restored to 
Lord Baltimore. 


1717. 

New Orleans 
laid out. 


1719. 

Londonderry 

settled. 


* See Appendix I. 








REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


101 


In 1723, a fort was built on Connecticut river, in the 1723. 
present town of Brattleborough, under the direction of settlement 

lieutenant governor Dummer, of Massachusetts, and - 

hence it was called Fort Dummer. Around this fort, was commenced 
the first settlement in Vermont. 

The war of the Yamassees had increased the dissensions in Carolina. 
During this invasion, the legislature had applied to the proprietors for 
aid and protection, which was denied. For temporary relief, large 
emissions of paper money were resorted to; but directions were given 
by the proprietors to the governor, to reduce the quantity in circulation ; 
and when the assembly resolved to appropriate the lands, from which 
the Indians had been driven, to such of his majesty’s subjects as would 
settle on them, the proprietors refused to sanction the proceedings of 
the assembly. A memorial was presented against their chief justice, 
Trott, and receiver general Rhett, who had become extremely obnoxious 
to the colony, and a request made that they might be removed from office. 
They were, however, not only retained, but thanked for their services. 
At length, a general combination was formed throughout the colony, 
to subvert the proprietary government, and the inhabitants bound them¬ 
selves to stand by each other, in defence of their lives 
and liberty. This was done with such secrecy and de- ^ ^,7.^^* 
spatch, that, before the governor was informed of it, volt against the 
almost every inhabitant of the province was engaged in vernm?nt7 

the combination. A letter was then despatched to the - 

governor, from a committee of the representatives of the people, in 
forming him, that they were to wait on him, for the purpose of offering 
him the government of the province, under the king—as they were re¬ 
solved no longer to submit to that of the proprietors. Mr. Johnson, 
the governor, refused, and endeavoured to suppress the spirit of revolt; 
but it had diffused itself beyond his control and at last they elected 
Moore governor of the province, and, in the name of the king, he ad¬ 
ministered the affairs of government. 

The people stated their situation to the crown, when 
it was decided, that the proprietors had forfeited their 
charter; and that both colonies should be taken under 
its protection. Nicholson was, in 1720, appointed pro¬ 
vincial governor, and early the following year, he arrived in Carolina, 
where he was received with every demonstration of joy. Peace having 
been published between Great Britain and Spain, he had been instruct¬ 
ed to .cultivate the friendship of the Indians, and the Spaniards of Flo¬ 
rida. He, accordingly, held treaties with the Cherokees and Creeks, 
in which the boundaries of their lands were fixed, and such other regu¬ 
lations made, as were calculated to promote harmony. Having thus 
secured the province from assaults without. Gov. Nicholson, by the 


1720. 

Royal gov’t, es¬ 
tablished, and 
colony flourishes 





102 


HISTORY OF THE 


encouragement and support which he gave to literary and religious in¬ 
stitutions, soon caused its internal affairs to assume a new aspect. 

An entire revolution was completed, in 1729, by an 

AT agreement between the crown and seven of the proprie- 

N. and S. Caro- » . . i 

lina separated, tors, whereby, for a valuable consideration, they surren- 

- dered to the crown their right and interest, not only in 

the government of these provinces, but also in the soil. North and South 

Carolina were at the same time erected into separate governments. 


SECTION IV. 

Meanwhile, the impolicy of England, in endeavouring to impose 
upon Massachusetts a more despotic government, than the independent 
spirit of her citizens would bear, began to be manifest, in disputes be- 
tween the representatives and the royal governors, whose situations 
they sometimes made exceedingly unpleasant. The public bank, 
Disputes with wliich had been established, failed of its desired effect, 
the governors of Gov. Shute had succeeded Gov. Dudley, in 1716, and 

]Vl0,ss3.clmsGtts 

_L by his recommendation, another emission of bills of cre¬ 
dit was made, to the amount of one hundred thousand pounds. The 
consequence of this was, rather to heighten than allay the existing dif¬ 
ficulties ; as it was found, that the greater the quantity of this factitious 
substitute for money, the less was its value. The commercial evils of 
the times, being, by the people, ascribed to the operation of the public 
bank, its friends, among whom was the governor, were of course un¬ 
popular ; and those who had favoured a private bank, at the head of 
whom was a Mr. Cooke, became the dominant party. A majority of 
the general court were also of this party ; and they refused to raise the 
salary of the governor, notwithstanding the depreciation of the cur¬ 
rency. They also elected Mr. Cooke their speaker ; but the governor 
objected, alledging that he had a right to negative their choice. The 
house denied this right, persisted in their choice, and were, by the go- 
vernor, dissolved. The irritated people, in almost every instance, 
chose the^ same representatives, and when the next session com¬ 
menced, much ill temper was shown on their part. Among other pro¬ 
ceedings, justly displeasing to the governor, was the omission of the 
customary vote, at the commencement of the session, for the payment 
of half his yearly salary ; and when the tardy appropriation was made, 
it was reduced from six to five hundred pounds. 




REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


103 


At the next meeting, the governor informed the court, A fipd salary is 
that^ he had received instructions from the crown, to re- but 

commend the establishment for the chief magistrate, of a -- 

hxed and adequate salary. This subject, thus again introduced, and 
insisted on, caused the most violent disputes that had yet occurred be¬ 
tween any of the colonies, and the mother country. The govern¬ 
ment of England was bent on obliging the colonies to pay a fixed sa¬ 
lary, while the people were equally pertinacious in their refusal; and, 
in the course of their opposition, they repeatedly asserted the principle, 
to maintain which, they eventually took up arms against the parent 
country ; that none but themselves, or the representatives of their elec¬ 
tion, had a right to control their funds. 

Gov. Shute, wearied with contention, left the province, in 1726 
went privately to England, and preferred complaints against Massa¬ 
chusetts, in consequence of which, two clauses, additional 
to her charter, were sent out, and, at length, reluctantly 
accepted, from the fear of otherwise experiencing some¬ 
thing worse ; the one affirming the right of the governor 
to negative the choice of speaker; and the other, deny¬ 
ing to the house of representatives, the right of adjourning itself, for 
any period, longer than two days. i 

During these contests in the interior, the frontiers had 1724. 

suffered severely from the depredations of the Indians. ‘nstiira- 

^ ^ ^ ted to nostiliiieb 

Father Ralle, a French missionary, resided among them ; by FaUiorl'dille. 

and like Castine, exerted successfully much skill to ex- - 

cite their jealousies against the English. By the acts of Ralle, and 
other missionaries, all the eastern Indians, as well as those of Canada, 
were combined against New England. 


1726. 

Two clauses an¬ 
nexed to the 
charter of Ma s¬ 
sachusetts. 


They made some incursions into Massachusetts, in consequence of 
which, a body of troops were sent to the village where Ralle resided, 
for the purpose of seizing his person. He received intimation of their 
design, in time to make his escape. This attempt on the persomof 
their spiritual father, was revenged by the eastern Indians, in an attack 
or the frontier settlements of New Hampshire and Massachusetts. 
War was openly declared against them, and carried on with conside¬ 
rable loss on both sides. At length, commissioners were appointed to 
remonstrate with Vaudreuil, the governor of Canada, (under whose 
authority it was ascertained Ralle acted,) against conduct so incompa¬ 
tible with the state'of peace between France and England; and, at last, 
succeeded in obtaining his influence to quiet the Indians. Massachu¬ 
setts and New Hampshire were the only colonies which suffered any 
annoyance in the .Tesuit’s, or Ralle’s war. 

In 1720, Mr. Burnet succeeded Peter Schuyler in the 1720-1728. 
government of New-York. The French had, at this of']Vcw?YS"°^ 





104 


HISTORY OF THE 


opposes the de- period formed considerable settlements in Louisiana, and 
French^ manifested a design which they afterward endeavoured 

- more fully to accomplish, of connecting, by a chain of 

forts, their possessions in Canada with those in Louisiana, and thus 
confining the English colonies within narrow limits on the sea coast.* 
They had also monopolized the fur trade with the western Indians, 
which Burnet was aware would be very advantageous to Great Britain. 
He proposed to the assembly of the province, to adopt measures to stop 
the trade between New-York and Canada, as the channel by which 
the French supplied themselves with the most valuable commodities for 
the Indian market. An act was accordingly passed, prohibiting trade 
with Canada, and encouraging the inhabitants of the province to trafiic 
directly with the Indians. To effect this purpose, as well as to stop 
the progress of the French settlements, a trading house and fort were 
erected at Oswego, and other judicious measures adopted, the good 
effects of which were sensibly felt in the province. The merchants, 
however, who imported foreign goods, complained of the cessation of 
trade with Canada, and at last Burnet became so unpopular with them, 
that, though generally acceptable to the people, he was superseded in 
the government by Col. Montgomery. On his death, the 

Burnet is sue- ^ o 

cecded by Mont- command devolved on Rip Van Dam, he being the oldest 
by^Si’Dam*^^’ of the council, and an eminent merchant. He 

- passively permitted the encroachments of the French, 


and during his administration, they erected a fort at Crown Point, which 
commanded lake Champlain, and which was within the acknowledged li¬ 
mits of New-York. George I. died in 1727. During his reign, England 
had enjoyed the blessings of peace. He was succeeded by George II. 

1728 1728, Mr. Burnet, who had been removed from the 

Burnet governor magistracy of New-York, was appointed to that of Mas- 
NewHa^JsWrc^ sachusetts and New Hampshire. He was instructed by 

- his sovereign to insist on a fixed salary. The general 

court were no longer, as in the administration of Shute, violent and pro¬ 
voking in their measures, but resisted with calmness and caution, what 
they deemed an infringement of their rights. In regard to the question 
of the salary, they endeavoured to evade, and postpone a decisive 


* “ New France, (as the French now claim,) extends from the mouth of the river St. 
Lawrence to the mouth of the river Mississippi; by which the French plainly show their 
intention of enclosing the British settlements, and cutting us off from all commerce with 
the numerous nations of Indians, that are every where settled over the vast continent of 
North America. The English in America have good reason to apprehend such a design, 
when they see the French king’s geographer publish a map, by which he has set bounds to the 
British empire in America, and has taken in many of the English settlements, both in South 
Carolina and New-York, within the boundaries of New France.”—CoWen’s History of the 
Five Nations. 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 106 

answer. They voted Gov. Burnet the unusual sum of <£1,700; three 
hundred for his travelling expenses, and fourteen hun- Dispute with re- 
dred for his salary. He accepted the appropriation for to fixed 

his expenses, but rejected that for his salary. The peo- - 

pie of Boston took a lively interest in the dispute, and the governor, 
believing that the general court were thus unduly influenced, removed 
them to Salem. Continuing firm to their purpose, he kept the court in 
session several months beyond the usual time, and refused to sign a 
warrant on the treasurer, for the payment of its members. 

In April, 1729, after a recess of about three months, the general 
court again convened at Salem, and still proving refractory on the sub- 
ject of the salury, the governor adjourned them, and they met at Cam¬ 
bridge, in xVugust. Still unable to make any impression on these de¬ 
termined vindicators of their rights, the amiable Gov. 

Burnet sickened with a fever, and died on the 17th Sep- i>urnei dies 

tember, --- 

His successor, Mr. Belcher, who arrived at Boston in August, 1730, 
renewed the controversy; but the court, after two or three sessions suc¬ 
ceeded with him, (and by consent of the crown,) in a 

T 1-11 11-1 1-1-r. Controversy re- 

policy, which they had vainly attempted with Burnet; newed with Gov. 

that of paying him a liberal sum for present use, without geftled'^’ 

binding themselves for the future. -— 

About this period, a new colony was projected in England. The 
country, between the Savannah and Altamaha rivers, although within 
the limits of the Carolina grant, was still unoccupied by European set¬ 
tlers. The patriotic deemed it important that this region should be 
planted by a British colony, otherwise, it was feared, it would be seized 
by the Spaniards from Florida, or the French from the Mississippi. At 
the same time, a spirit of philanthropy was abroad in England, to no¬ 
tice the distresses of the poor, especially those shut up m prisons, and 
provide for their relief. Actuated by these generous considerations, a 
number of gentlemen in England, of whom James Oglethorpe was the 
most zealous, formed a project to settle this tract by such of the suf¬ 
fering poor, as might be willing to seek, in the new world, the means 
of subsistence. To this company, the territory between 1732 
the Savannah and Altamaha, now, in honour of the king, Georgia granted 
denominated Georgia, was granted ; and a corporation, 

consisting of twenty-one persons, was created under the - 

name of “ Trustees for settling and establishing the colony of Geor¬ 
gia.” Large sums of money were subscribed, which were applied to¬ 
wards arming, clothing, transporting, and furnishing, with food and 
utensils for cultivation, such poor people as should be willing to cross 
the Atlantic, and begin the new settlement. In November, 1732, one 
hundred and sixteen persons embarked for America, under Oglethorpe. 

H 






106 


HISTORY OF THE 


1733 . 

First settlement 
made at Savan¬ 
nah, under Ogle- 
thorp. 


They arrived at Charleston, January 15th, 1733. Gov. 
Johnson, sensible of the importance of having a barrier 
between his people and the southern Indians, gave them 
all the aid in his power, and accompanied them to the 
place of their destination, which was Yamacraw Bluff, 
since called Savannah, which they reached on the first of February. 
Here Oglethorpe immediately commenced the construction of a fort, 
which being completed, and its guns mounted, his next care was to 
propitiate the Indians. The tribe settled at Yamacraw was considera¬ 
ble. The Creeks, at this period, could muster 2,500 warriors; the 
Cherokees, 6,000; the Choctaws, 5,000; and the Chickasaws, 700; 
amounting in the whole to 14,200. Aware, that without the friendship 
of these nations, his colony could not even exist, much less prosper, 
Oglethorpe summoned a general meeting of the chiefs, fifty of whom 
appeared, and held a congress with him at Savannah. By means of 
an interpreter, Oglethorpe made to them the most friendly professions, 
which they reciprocated ; and by mutual presents and speeches, these 
amicable dispositions were considered as having passed into a solemn 
treaty. 

The thirteen veteran colonies, which fought the war of the revolu¬ 
tion, and whose emblematic stars and stripes still decorate the banner 
of American Independence, v/ere now all settled ; and the period of the 
settlement of Georgia is remarkable, as that province was the last set¬ 
tled of those which subsequently constituted the Old Thirteen United 
States. 1 


Geographical notices of the country at the Fifth Epocha, or in 1733, 
the date of the Fifth Map. 

The colony of Massachusetts now contained nine counties, Ply¬ 
mouth, Barnstable, Bristol, Hampshire, Worcester, Essex, Sussex, 
Middlesex, and Norfolk. Connecticut had now about fifty towns set¬ 
tled. The settlements in Rhode Island and New Hampshire, had ex¬ 
tended. Londonderry, in New Hampshire was settled about this time by 
Irish emigrants, who introduced the foot spinning-wheel, and the cul¬ 
ture of potatoes. Virginia contained twenty-five counties. The colo¬ 
nies of North and South Carolina were flourishing ; and a new settle¬ 
ment was commenced in Georgia. The settlement of Natchez and 
New Orleans, was commenced at this period; but little is known re¬ 
specting them. 



REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


107 


Population, 

Massachusetts,. 120,000. 


Connecticut,. 30,000. 

Rhode Island,. 17,900. 

New Hampshire,. 10,000. 

New-York, .. 65,000. 

Pennsylvania, .... above 30,000. 

Maryland, .nearly 36,000. 

Virginia,. 60,000. 

North Carolina,. 6,000. 

South Carolina, . 12,000. 

New Jersey,. 15,000. 


Revenue and Exports, —Hemp and provisions were the principal arti¬ 
cles of exportation from the New England states. Iron and copper 
ore, beeswax, hemp, raw silk, and tobacco, from Virginia. Rice, deer- 
skins, furs, naval stores, and provisions, from Carolina. 

Commerce and Manufactures, —The commerce of New England had 
greatly increased. The trade of Massachusetts alone employed 600 
vessels, and its fisheries from 5 to 6000 men. The manufacture of 
wool and iron was carried to considerable extent. Pennsylvania car¬ 
ried on a trade with England, Spain, and Portugal; with the Canaries, 
Madeiras, Azores, and West India islands. The commerce of Charles¬ 
town was considerable; two hundred ships sailed from this port this 
year. 

Principal Towns, —Boston, Salem, Providence, Newport, Hartford, 
and New Haven, in New England; New-York and Albany, in New- 
York; Newcastle, in Delaware ; and Newark, in New Jersey. Phila¬ 
delphia, in Pennsylvania; Annapolis, in Maryland; Jamestown and 
Williamsburg, in Virginia; and Charleston, in South Carolina. 

Colleges, —Harvard University, at Cambriage; William and Mary’s 
College, at Williamsburg; and Yale College, at New Haven. 


Catalogue of eminent men loho died during the period, ex¬ 
tending from 1692 to l'y33. 


Year in which 
they died. 


1695 . 

1697 . 

1698 


Sir William Phipps, governor of Massachusetts. 
Simeon Bradstreet, governor of Massachusetts, 
liouis Frontenac, governor general of Canada. 











108 

1704 

1707 . 

Unknown 

1714 . 

1718 . 

1720 . 

1721 

1723 . 

1728 . 

1729 . 

1731 


HISTORY OF THE 

William Hubbard, author of Indian Wars, and His¬ 
tory of Massachusetts. 

Samuel Willard, vice president of Harvard College, 
and a celebrated divine ; author of a work entitled “ A 
Body of Divinity.” 

Fitz John Winthrop, governor of Connecticut. 

Lord Cornbury, governor of New-York. 

Edmund Andross, governor of New England. 

Benjamin Church, distinguished by his exploits in the 
Indian wars of New England. 

William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania. 

Sir Joseph Dudley, governor of Massachusetts. 

Elihu Yale, a distinguished benefactor of Yale Col¬ 
lege. 

Increase Mather, D. D. president of Harvard Col¬ 
lege ; author of a ‘‘ History of the war with the Indians,” 
“ The doctrine of Divine Providence,” &;c. 

Cotton Mather, D. D., F. R. S. an eminent divine ; 
author of “ Essays to do Good,” “ Magnalia Christi 
Americana,” &;c. 

Francis Nicholson, distinguished in ‘‘ Queen Anne’s 
war,” and governor of Carolina. 

John Williams, first minister of Deerfield, Mass. 

Solomon Stoddard, an eminent divine ; author of se¬ 
veral theological works. 

William Burnet, governor of New-York, Massachu¬ 
setts, and New Hampshire. 

Thomas Hollis, founder of two professorships in 
Cambridge University, Mass. 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


109 


PART VI. 


COMPRISES THE EVENTS WHICH OCCURRED FROM THE 


Fii-st settlement I FIFTH EPOCHA, • 1733 , | of Georgia, &,c 


TO THE 


The close of the French ) 

war; nine years after the > SIXTH EPOCHA, 
meeting of a Congress at ) 



Albany. Taking Queljec 
and death of Wolfe, most 
important closing event. 


SECTION I. 


Georgia, soon after its settlement, was increased by five or six hun¬ 
dred emigrants ; but most of them were poor and idle, and many of 
them were vicious. In order to induce a more efficient population to 
settle in Carolina and Georgia, eleven townships, of 20,000 acres each, 
were laid out on the Savannah, Altamaha, Santee, and othei livei's, 
and divided into lots of 50 acres each, one of which was given to every 
person who would make a settlement. In conseijuence of this regula¬ 
tion, a large number of emigrants arrived from Scotland, 

Germany, and Switzerland. The Highlanders from 
Scotland, built the town of Inverness, on the Altamaha ; 
and the Germans, a town, which they called Ebenezer; 
on the Savannah. 

The charter granted to the trustees of Georgia, vested 
in them powers of legislation for tv/enty-one years, 
and they proceeded to establish regulations for the go¬ 
vernment of the province; but those which they made 
proved injudicious, and, notwithstanding their utmost exertions, the co¬ 
lony did not flourish. In 1736, Oglethorpe engaged with activity in the 
business of constructing fortifications. He erected a fort on the Savan- 
^'ih, at Augusta; another on the island of St. Simon’s, at the mouth of the 


1636 . 

Scotch, Ger¬ 
mans, and Swiss 
emigrate toGeor- 
gia. 


1734 . 

Trustees make 
regulations for 
the colony. 




110 


HISTORY OF THE 


Oglethorpe Altamaha, where the town of Frederica was commenced; 
_ ' and a third, on Cumberland island, commanding the en¬ 
trance through which ships must pass to Frederica. The Spaniards 
immediately remonstrated against the erection of these fortifications, and 
insisted on the evacuation of the country as far as the thirty-third degree 
ofinorth latitude, Oglethorpe, about this time, returned to England. 

1736 The communication between Canada and Louisiana 

Expedition of the had been for some time cut off by the Chickasaw Indians, 
French against opposed the progress of the French up the Missis- 

_ sippi. A force from New Orleans agreed to act in con- 

cert with a large party from Canada, in order to extirpate them. The 
detachment from New Orleans did not arrive seasonably. The Cana¬ 
dians, however, proceeded to the Chickasaw towns; but the Indians, 
being prepared for them, killed about sixty, took the rest prisoners, tied 
them to the stake, and tortured and burnt them to death. Another 
expedition was made, four years after, against the Chickasaws, with 
so large an army from Canada and New Orleans, that the Indians 
thought proper to sue for peace, which was granted; and has been 
preserved till this time. 

In 1736, John Wesley, a celebrated methodist, visited Geor-gia; and 
two years after, George Whitfield, another distinguished preacher, ar¬ 
rived in the colony.* * 

England and Spain, being each unwilling to relinquish 
their right to the country which both claimed, there was 
now a prospect of open war between them. Oglethorpe 
was appointed commander-in-chief of the British forces 
in Carolina and Georgia, and sent from England with a 
regiment of 600 men. On his arrival in America, he established his 
head quarters at Frederica. The Spaniards had strengthened East Flo¬ 
rida, and, during his absence, had attempted to seduce from his interest, 
some of his Indian allies. They were unsuccessful in their intrigues 
here; but, by promises of liberty and protection, they 

JhewSsTncL*^ Carolina to run away from 

rolina. their masters, and set up the standard of insurrection. 

A large number, of blacks assembled at Stono ; forced a 
warehouse, and supplied themselves with arms and ammunition; chose a 
captain, and then marched through the country in a southwesterly direc¬ 
tion, murdering every white person whom they encountered, and com- 


1738. 

Preparations for 
war between 
England and 
Spain. 


* “ He came to Georgia to establish an orphan house, for the care and religious educa¬ 
tion of the children of the poor. For this benevolent purpose he crossed the Atlantic, 
and traversed Great Britain and America, soliciting aid from the pious and charitable. 
Wherever he went, he preached, making many proselytes; and founding a sect who are 
highly respectable, and very numerous. His orphan house, during his life, did not flourish; 
and after his death, was entirely abandoned.” ’ 






REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


Ill 


pelling the negroes to join their party. They had desolated the country 
for twelve miles, and had become formidable in numbers, when the news 
of their progress reached a congregation assembled for divine worship. 
The men, being armed, as directed by law, immediately marched against 
them. Finding them halting in an open field, exulting in their short¬ 
lived success, and intoxicated with ardent spirits, their pursuers at once 
attacked them, and killed most of their number. Such of the leaders 
as survived were tried and executed, and thus the insurrection was 
suppressed. 

In 1738, New Jersey, on application to the king, was 
allowed a charter separate from New-York. These pro¬ 
vinces had been ruled, for several years, by the same 
governor; though each chose a separate assembly. In 
the same year, a college, called Nassau Hall, was founded 
at Princeton. 

In 1739, England declared war against Spain. Ogle¬ 
thorpe, who continued to command in Georgia and Caro¬ 
lina, fixed upon the mouth of St. John’s river as a place ( 
of general rendezvous for the troops. In May, the follow¬ 
ing year, he invaded Florida, and invested Diego, a small 
fort, about twenty-five miles from St. Augustine. After 
a short resistance, it capitulated,*and Oglethorpe returned 
to the place of rendezvous. A few days after, with 2000 
men, he marched to Fort Moosa, about two miles from St. Augustine. 
The Spaniards, on his approach, evacuated the fort, and retired to the 
town. Oglethorpe then blockaded St. Augustine. A small detach¬ 
ment of troops, which he left at Fort Moosa, were cut off by a party 
from the Spanish garrison. The Spaniards had received large supplies 
of men and provisions. The troops from Carolina, dispirited by fruitless 
efforts to force the town, had deserted the camp. Oglethorpe, seeing 
these discouragements, his regiment being also enfeebled by sickness, 
and the heat of the climate, reluctantly abandoned the enterprise, and 
returned to Frederica. The failure of this expedition, from which the 
colonists had anticipated the total expulsion of the Spaniards from Flo¬ 
rida, occasioned a mutual and injurious want of confidence between 
them and their general, and also greatly increased the public debt of 
Carolina. The same year. Charleston, the capital of South Carolina, 
was destroyed by fire, and its ' inhabitants sustained an 
immense loss of property. To relieve the sufferers, the 
British parliament generously voted £20,000. 

The Spaniards were still determined to drive the Eng¬ 
lish from their positions in Georgia, and for this purpose, 
in May, 1742, a fleet was sent from Havana to St. Au¬ 
gustine. Notice of this event being given to Oglethorpe, 


1738. 

New Jersey ob¬ 
tains a charter, 
and a college 
is founded. 


1739. 

War declared by 
England against 
Spain. 

1740. 

Oglethorpe in¬ 
vades Florida, 
and makes an 
attempt on St. 
Augustine. 


Charleston 

burned. 


1742. 

Spaniards in¬ 
vade Georgia, 







1112 


HISTORY OF THE 


he hastily collected a small army for defence, and established his head 
quarters at Frederica. About the end of June, the Spanish fleet came 
to anchor off St. Simon’s bar. Oglethorpe was now at fort Simon’s, 
but the fleet passed, proceeded up the Altamaha, landed the troops be¬ 
yond the reach of the guns of the fort, and erected a battery. Ogle¬ 
thorpe retired to Frederica, but was not in sufficient strength to attack 
the enemy. On being informed, however, of a division in the Spanisli 
camp, he marched at night with the flower of his army, in order to at¬ 
tack them, when thus divided. He halted within two miles of the 
Spanish army, and with a select corps, was reconnoitering their situa¬ 
tion, when a French soldier of his party discharged his musket and ran 
into their lines. Discovery defeated every hope of success ; and the 
general immediately retreated to Frederica. He was justly apprehen¬ 
sive that the deserter would disclose his weakness, and thereby increase 
his danger. In this state of embarrassment, he devised an expedient, 
by which he turned this seeming disaster to his own advantage. With 
a view to make the Spaniards believe that the deserter was a spy, and 
was giving them information to mislead them, he wrote him a letter, 
urging him to give the Spaniards such an account of the situation 
of his army as should induce them to attack him, or would, at 
any rate, serve to detain them in their own camp, until the succours 
which he expected should arrive. This letter, as Oglethorpe had ex¬ 
pected, fell into the hands of the Spaniards; who, having loaded the 
deserter with irons, were deliberating upon its contents, when they per¬ 
ceived off the coast some ships of war, which South Carolina had, with¬ 
out Oglethorpe’s knowledge, sent with supplies for Georgia. Panic- 
struck, they embarked, and left the coast in such haste 
that their artillery, provisions, and military stores, fell 
into the hands of the Georgians. 

In 1752, Georgia became a royal province. The dis¬ 
tressed and languishing state of the settlement was, by 
repeated complaints, represented to the trustees ; who, 
weary of their irksome and thankless charge, at length 
surrendered their charter to the king. 


SECTION 11 

As France and Spain were at this time governed by 
different branches of the House of Bourbon, it was not 
expected that the former nation would long continue at 
peace, while the latter was at war with Great Britain. 
In 1744, war was proclaimed between England and France, and before 


They retire with 
loss. 


' 1752. 

Georgia becomes 
a royal province. 


1744. 

War between 
England and 
France. 






REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


113 


the intelligence reached the northern colonies, the French at Cape 
Breton had surprised and taken Canseaii from the English. 

Louisbourg, the capital of the island of Cape Breton, _ 
was, from its strength, called the Dunkirk of America. Louishcag. 

Its position was important, as it secured to the nation ‘ 

who held it, the fisheries of the adjoining seas, and afforded a safe 
retreat for ships passing between Europe and the West Indies ; and 
it had now become a place of great strength, as the French had been 
for more than twenty-five years adding to its fortifications. 

On this important fortress. Gov. Shirley* of Massachu¬ 
setts now meditated an attack. He first applied to the Sack^on^L^nuS- 
British ministry for naval assistance ; but without wait- 
ing for returns, he laid open his designs to the general sanctioned by 
court of the colony, having previously required of the Mass. ° 

members an oath of secrecy. The plan being thought--- 

too great, too hazardous, and too expensive, it was apparently aban¬ 
doned ; but the people at large becoming acquainted with the design,'!' 
petitions were circulated and signed by great numbers, praying that it 
might be reconsidered by the general court. After a long deliberation, 
the vote in favour of the enterprise was carried by a single voice. 

Troops were immediately raised by Connecticut, Rhode Island, and 
New Hampshire, to aid Massachusetts in the enterprise. The com¬ 
mand of these forces, which amounted to 4,000, was I 745 
' given to Col. William Pepperell, who sailed on the 25th Forces assemble 
of March, and arrived at Canseau on the 4th of April. - 

The day before leaving Boston, an express-boat, which had been 
sent to the West Indies to solicit the assistance of Commodore War- 
ren, returned with the intelligence that he had declined to furnish the 
aid required ; but the commodore soon after received orders from Eng¬ 
land, and, in April, he joined the colonial army at Canseau. 

The whole fleet soon sailed, and arrived.at Chapeaurouge bay, on 
the 30th of April. The appearance of this armament brought to the 
French the first intelligence of the meditated attack. The Englisii 
troops landed, and Col. Vaughn, conducting the first detachment through 
the woods, set fire to a number of warehouses, containing spirituous 
liquors. The smoke being driven by the wind into the principal bat¬ 
tery of the French, they immediately abandoned it, and fled to the 
town. The English took possession of the deserted battery, which 


* Mr. Vaughn, son of Gov. Vaughn of New Hampshire, is said to have been the original 
instigator of tliis expedition. 

f “ It is said tliat the secret was kept until an honest member, who performed the family 
devotions at his lodgings, inadvertently discovered it by praying for the Divine Blessing on 
the attempt.” 


15 






114 


HISTORY OF THE 


commanded the town, and began the siege. For four- 
Loui^bo^rg^^^ teen nights successively did these hardy veterans per- 

- form a drudgery, which would have been impossible 

for oxen, drawing the cannon requisite for carrying on the siege, from 
the landing place, two miles through a deep morass. On the 7th of 
May, the provincials summoned the governor of Louisbourg to sjirren- 
der the town; but he refused; and they continued to press the siege 
with such vigour, both by sea and land, that he soon found himself in 
no condition for defence. Commodore Warren had now succeeded in 
capturing from the French, the Vigilant, a large ship, having on board 
560 men, and stores for the garrison. Preparations were making for a 
general assault by sea and land ; and a mutiny had occurred in the 
French garrison before the arrival of the English ; which, giving to the 
soldiers a disposition to desert, rendered a sortie from the fort imprac¬ 
ticable. In view of these discouraging circumstances, the governor, 
^ ., on the forty-ninth day of the siege, surrendered Louis- 

Louisbourg sur- / i t. 

renders. bourg, and the island of Cape Breton, to the provincial 

troops, for his Britannic Majesty. Thus was successfully 
terminated this hazardous and important expedition. 

The success of this project encouraged Gov. Shirley to proceed in 
the prosecution of another plan, which he had previously formed,^ of 
raising troops both in the colonies and in England, to reduce the French 
power in America ; but the deliberations of the colonies were soon 
directed to measures of self-defence. The French, ex¬ 
asperated at the loss of Louisbourg, resolved on revenge; 
and sent a powerful armament, under DLVnville, with 

- orders to ravage the whole coast of North America. 

Tempest, disease, and other disasters attended this force, and the fleet 
returned to France, without having efiected any other object than that 
of alarming the colonies. 

1748. Peace was proclaimed in 1748, and a treaty signed at 

Peace of Aix la Aix la Cliapelle, by commissioners from England, France 

- and Spain, the basis of which was the mutual restoration 

of all places taken during the war: of course, Louisbourg and the Eng¬ 
lish conquests in that vicinity, reverted to the French. 


1746. 

Frencli send a 
fleet to destroy 
the colonies. 


SECTION III. 

The peace of Aix la Chapelle can hardly be considered as any thing 
more than a truce. France, seeing her plan of universal monarchy 
frustrated in Europe, transferred the project to America, and now be. 






REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


115 


gan more fully to accomplish the design, which she had before mani¬ 
fested, of extending a line of forts quite through the interior of the 

country which she claimed, in order to connect her dis- 

. . r rench make 

tant possessions m Canada and Louisiana. The sue-- encroachments. 

cessful execution of such a project would probably, in - 

the event, have made the whole of North America an appendage to 

France. The French likewise made continual encroachments upon 

Nova Scotia; and, notwithstanding it had, by the treaty, been ceded to 

the English, they continued to contest the possession of the country. 

I About this period, was formed the Ohio company ; and J 7 r q 
in 1650, by an act of the British parliament, they ob- 
tained six hundred thousand acres, about the Ohio river, the ^hio conv 
This act alarmed the French, who considered it as an fen%’ti^French. 

encroachment on their territory; and they probably- 

hastened, on this account, the execution of their designs. The Ohio 
company immediately caused their lands to be surveyed, and opened a 
trade with the Indians in their vicinity. Their proceedings becoming 
known to the French, the governor of Canada wrote to the governors 
of New-A^ork and Pennsylvania, threatening the seizure of their traders, 
if they did not desist from their encroachments on the French territo¬ 
ries. Not regarding this menace, a number of English traders were 
seized, and carried to the fort, at Presque Isle. 

The contested lands had now become of too much importance to be 
unhesitatingly relinquished by either party. The French opened a 
communication by two forts, from Presque Isle to the Ohio. The Ohio 
company complained to Dinwiddie, the governor of Virginia, of these 
encroachments on lands which were granted to them by their charter. 
And here we first introduce to the reader of American history, its 
brightest ornament, George Washington. At this period, he was 
twenty-two years of age, and already a major in the militia of Virginia, 
his native state. At the solicitation of the governor, he engaged with 
alacrity in the hazardous enterprise of a journey through a savage and 
unexplored region, to carry to the French commandant, 1753 
a letter from Dinwiddie, requiring him to quit the British Washington 
territories. Maj. Washington commenced his journey wkTa ktfer 
from Williamsburgh, and on the 14th of November, to the French 

^ r . • 1 r commandant. 

reached Will’s Creek, the extreme frontier settlement ot -— 

the English, where he procured guides to cross the Alleghany moun¬ 
tains. Pursuing his route to Turtle Creek, and along the Alleghany, he 
found the first French fort at the mouth of French Creek. Proceeding 
up this creek to another fort, within fifteen miles of Presque Isle, he 
delivered to St. Pierre, the commander, the letter of Dinwiddie, and 
having received one in reply, he returned to Virginia. The answer of 
St. Pierre manifested no disposition to withdraw from the country ; and 





no 


HISTORY OF THE 


the British, vvitliout waiting for a formal declaration of war, immediately 
took measures to maintain the right which they asserted over it. 

A regiment was raised in Virginia ; and Washington, 

„ who had surveyed the country, which was to be the seat 

He IS again sent . 

with a force to of war, with a military eye, was promoted to its command. 

EnglS clairn? In April, 1754, he marched into tlie disputed territory, 

and, encamping at the Great Meadows, he learned that 

the French had dispossessed the Virginians of a fort, which they were 

erecting for the Ohio company, on the southern branch of the Ohio 

river, and had themselves commenced the construction of a fort, which 

they called Fort Du Quesne, at the junction of the Monongahela and 

Alleghany. He was also informed that a detachment of French troops 

had been sent against the English, and were encamped but a few miles 

west of the Great Meadows. Considering this as a hostile measure. 

Surprises and Indian guides, and surrounding their encarnp- 

captures a merit, surprised, and completely defeated them. On his 
1 * rench force. ’ ^ r ./ • r* i i 

- return to Great Meadows, he was reinforced by troops 

from New-York and South Carolina, and erected there a small stock¬ 
ade, which was afterwards called Fort Necessity. 

With less than 400 men, Washington now commenced 
a march, with the intention of dislodging the enemy from 
Fort Du Quesne ; but after proceeding thirteen miles, he 
received such intelligence of their situation and strength, 
that a council of officers was held, and by their unani¬ 
mous advice, he relinquished the enterprise, and retired, 
to intrench his little army, within Fort Necessity. Scarcely had he 
completed his intrenchments, when a party of fifteen hundred French, 
under Monsieur de Villiers, began a furious assault on the fort, which 
was continued, with a brave resistance on the part of the Americans, 
from ten in the morning until dark. De Villiers then demanded a par¬ 
ley ; and Washington, deeming it folly longer to contend with such an 
unequal force, signed, in the course of the night, articles of capitula¬ 
tion, by which the fort was surrendered, and the garrison permitted to 
march from the fort with the honours of war, and return unmolested to 
their homes. As Washington was on his march to Virginia, he caused 
a fort to be commenced at Will’s Creek, which, when completed, was 
called Fort Cumberland. 

The British cabinet had perceived that war was inevitable. xAccord- 
ingly, in their instructions to the colonies, in 1753, they directed them 
to cultivate the friendship of the Six Nations; and recommended to 
them to form a union among themselves for their mutual protection 
and defence. The British government had, at an earlier period, formed 
a plan for the union of the colonies, but it had never before been for- 


Marches to at¬ 
tack Fort Du 
Quesne, but re¬ 
turns to Fort Ne¬ 
cessity, and sur¬ 
renders to a su¬ 
perior force. 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


117 


mally proposed. Agreeably to their instructions, a con- June, 
gress was held at Albany, June 14, 1754, to which dele- at^AlSny 

gates were sent from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, - 

Rhode Island, Connecticut, New-York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. 
About one hundred and fifty Indians of the Six Nations were present, 
with whom the convention concluded an explanatory and pacific treaty; 
and then proceeded to consider the subject of the proposed union. 
Their situation, with regard to the French, called for the most imme¬ 
diate and effectual measures ; and it was unanimously resolved, “ that 
a union of the colonies was absolutely necessary for their preserva¬ 
tion.” Desiring that their counsels, treasure, and strength might be 
employed in due proportion against the common enemy, a committee, 
consisting of one member from each colony represented, of union 

was appointed to draw a plan of union. That which P‘oposed and 
* ^ ^ ^ ^ drawn up. 

was drawn by Benjamin Franklin, of Penn.sylvania,'was - 

substantially adopted,* and signed on the 4th of July, twenty^two years 
before this great statesman signed that more important instrument, which 
he also assisted in forming—the Declaration of Independence. The 
delegates from Connecticut alone refused their consent to this plan, and 
on the ground, that it gave too much power to the president general, 
who was to be appointed over the colonies, by the crown. It was pre¬ 
sented to the colonial legislatures and the British parliament for their 
sanction ; but it was rejected by both ; by the colonies, because it gave 
too much power to the crown; and by the crown, because it gave too 
much power to the people : thus showing how widely j-gj^pted. 

different, even at fliis period, were the views of Great- 

Britain and her colonies, respecting the rights of the latter; and fore¬ 
boding the contest and separation which afterwards followed. 

The ministry, having rejected this scheme of union, England propo- 
proposed to Gov. Shirley and others, that the governors 
of the colonies, (most of whom were appointed by the is rejected, 
crown,) attended by one or more of their council, should ’ 

meet, from time to time, to concert measures for the general defence 
of the colonies, with power to draw on the British treasury for such 
sums of money as they needed ; which sums were, however, to be re- 
imbursed by a tax imposed on the colonies by parliament. The colo¬ 
nies, early awake to their interest on the important subject of taxation, 
rejected this plan. As the only alternative, the crown then resolved to 
carry on the war with British troops, and such auxiliary forces as the 
colonial assemblies might voluntarily furnish; and to this the Ameri¬ 
cans cheerfully assented. 

> ■ 

* See Appendix J. 






118 


HISTORY OF THE 


SECTION IV. 


Plan of 
paigri. 


1755 establishment of a French post on the Ohio, and 

Braddock ar- the defeat of Col. Washington, were considered by the 
liJh troops ®^itish government, as the commencement of hostilities; 

- and 1,500^ troops, under the command of Gen. Braddock, 

were immediately despatched from England, for the defence of the colo¬ 
nies. On the arrival of this general in America, he requested a con¬ 
vention of the colonial governors to assemble in Virginia, 
for the purpose of concerting a plan of military opera- 
tions. Three expeditions were here resolved upon, in 
addition to one which had previously been planned in Massachusetts. 
General Braddock, with the British troops, and such forces as could be 
raised in Maryland and Virginia, was to attack Fort Du Quesne ; Gov. 
Shirley was to lead the American regulars and Indians against the fort 
at Niagara; and the militia of the northern colonies were to be directed 
against Crown Point. The object of the fourth expedition was the reduc- 
„ . tion of Nova Scotia; whose boundaries were vet unsettled. 

The French , t . i o. x ^ 

claim a part of The English claimed to the St. Lawrence, while the 

Nova Scoi ^ — French, wishing to restrict them to the peninsula of Acadia, 
occupied the contested country, and had erected forts for its defence. 

France made vigorous preparations for the support of her claims in 
America, and early in the spring, sent out a powerful fleet, carrying a 
A bodyofFrench body of troops, under the Baron Dieskau, to reinforce 

troops arrive in the army in Canada. Admiral Boscawen was sent from 

0 /cirid.cl 3 . 

-^- England, to intercept this fleet, and sailing directly for 

Newfoundland, he reached that island a short time previous to its arri- 

jVal; but on account of the thick fogs which prevailed on the coast, it 

escaped his notice, and arrived unmolested in Canada. 

June Massachusetts very early despatched 3000 troops to 

English subdue Nttv^a Scotia, under generals Monckton and Winslow. 

the French in They sailed from Boston on the 20th of May : and ar- 
Nova Scotia. • i i-,, • ^ 

-rived at Chignecto, on the Bay of Fundy, the first of 

June. Here they were joined by 300 British troops, and proceeded 
against Beau Sejour, the principal post of the French in that country. 
They invested and took possession of it, after a bombardment of five 
days. Monckton proceeded still farther, and reduced the fort on the 
river Gaspereau. The fleet appearing in the river St. Johns, Jhe French 
set fire to their works, and evacuated the country. Thus, with the loss 
of only three men, the English found themselves again in possession 
of the whole of Nova Scotia. 







REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


119 


The expeditions against Crown Point and Niagara Pieparations for 
were forwarded with great exertion and despatch, by the 
colonies of New England and New-York. The troops 

destined for the reduction of these places were ordered - 

to rendezvous at Albany, where they arrived the last of June. Those 
destined for Crown Point, amounting to four or five thousand, were 
under the command of Gen. William Johnson, and Gen. Lyman. 
They were joined by a considerable body of Mohawks, under Hendrick, 
their chief sachem. Gen. Lyman advanced from Albany, with the 
main body of the army, and proceeded to the carrying place, on the 
Hudson, fourteen miles from lake George, and here erected a fort, 


(afterwards called Fort Edward,) for the security of the batteaux, pro- 
visions, artillery, and other necessaries, requisite for crossing the lake; 
which were forwarded from Albany by Gen. Johnson. The army were 
thus employed for six weeks before they were in readiness to advance 
to the lake. 

In the mean time, Gen. Braddock, who had in May Braddock leads 

taken the command of the American forces, was slowly against 

1 • . ^ ^ ^ Fort Du Quesne. 

making preparations for the expedition against Fort Du -- 

Quesne. He marched from Virginia on the 10th of June; but such 
were the delays occasioned by the difficulty of procuring horses, wagons, 
and provisions, that he judged it expedient to leave the heavy bag¬ 
gage behind, under the care of Col. Dunbar; and placing himself at 
the head of 1200 select troops, he proceeded by more rapid marches, 
towards Fort Du Quesne. Braddock was not deficient in courage, or 
military skill, but was wholly ignorant of the mode of conducting war¬ 
fare in American woods and morasses. Yet he was so obstinate and 
positive in his disposition, that he treated the advice of the colonial offi¬ 
cers with the greatest contempt. Washington, whom he had accepted as 
his aid-de-camp, ventured to advise him to send an advanced guard, or 
reconnoitering parties, to watch the movements of the Indians. Brad¬ 
dock, disregarding this salutary counsel, rashly pushed on until he was 
within ten miles of Fort Du Quesne. Here his officers again warned 
him of his danger, and advised him to proceed with caution. Wash¬ 
ington entreated his permission to go forward with an advanced guard; 
but his proposal was haughtily declined. The army were now within 
seven miles of the fort. Marching through a narrow de- j^jy 
file, the Indian war-whoop burst upon them suddenly. They fall into 
and a deadly nre was poured from an unseen loe. Ihe and are defeated, 
van was thrown into confusion, and fell back upon the • 

main body. Braddock, bold, though not wise, formed and rallied his 
troops. But this only made them a surer mark for the ambushed enemy. 
The general should have ordered an instant retreat, or a rapid charge, 
regardless of any other rule than to discover and destroy the ambus- 





120 


HISTORY,OF THE 


cade. But, a bigot to European rules of warfare, he constantly sought 
to preserve the regular order of battle. Thus, like sheep penned up 
in a sheep fold, were this band devoted to death by the folly of their com¬ 
mander. He kept them on the ground where the battle commenced, 
regularly drawn up, fair marks for a foe who was out of their reach. 
The Indians, as might have been expected, singled out and shot down 
the officers. Not an officer on horseback escaped, except Washing¬ 
ton, before whom the shield of Providence appears to have been thrown. 

Braddock, ;who had ridden undismayed amidst continued showers of 
bullets, and had had three horses killed under him, at length received a 
mortal wound. Upon his fall, the regular troops fled with precipitation 
and disorder; but Washington formed, and covered the retreat of the 
provincials, who had been kept in the rear, being held by Braddock in 
the greatest contempt. The defeat was total; sixty-four officers out of 
eighty-five, and nearly half the privates were killed or wounded. 

The flight of the army was so precipitate, that it made no halt till it 
met the division under Dunbar, then about forty miles in the rear, where 
Braddock died. To this division of the army was communicated the 
same spirit of flight, and they continued retreating till they reached Fort 
Cumberland. This was little less than one hundred and twenty miles 
from the place of action. Thus the loss of his own life, the ruin of a 
fine army, and the failure of the important project of driving the French 
from their possessions on the Ohio, were the consequence of Braddock’s 
self-sufficiency and obstinate contempt of advice. 

The command now devolved on Colonel Dunbar, who withdrew^ the 
regulars to Philadelphia, leaving the whole frontier of Virginia open 
to the inroads and depredations of the French and Indians. 

The French at Fort Du Quesne had attempted to seduce from the 
English interest, the Indians, among whom were the Cherokees, a na¬ 
tion that had long been among the most powerful allies of 
the colonies. Some of the principal Indians of this tribe 
gave notice of these intrigues to the governor of South 
Carolina, who, at their suggestion, met a council of the Cherokee chiefs 
in their own country, and concluded with them a treaty, which embraced 
conditions of peace, and ceded to Great Britain a large tract of land in 
South Carolina. 



REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


121 


SECTION y. ■ ^ ■ 

- V - . 

Towakds the last of August, Gen. Johnson advanced 
from Albany to the south end of lake George, and with Gen. Johnson 
the main army encamped on a rising ground, having a Geo^^e^^ 

thick wood on each side, and the lake in the rear; and - 

here he began with all possible despatch to make preparations for 
crossing the lake, to attack Crown Point. 

In the mean time, the French, under Dieskau, had advanced from 
Montreal, and waited at Crown Point the arrival of the English army; 
but finding that they did not approach, he sailed from Ti- French ad- 
conderoga, and proceeded by South Bay, towards Fort Ed- vance towards 

ward, intending to attack that place. Gen. Johnson had-— 

here left, under Col. Blanchard, 500 of the militia from New-York 
and New Hampshire. 

Having received from Indian scouts, intelligence of the French at 
Ticonderoga, and again learned that they were within four miles of 
Fort Edward, Johnson called a council of officers, and with their advice 
detached from the lake, in order to intercept the enemy, one thousand 
men, under-the command of Col. Ephraim Williams, of a detachment 
Massachusetts, accompanied by Hendrick and two hun- Col. Wil- 

’ ^ ^ ^ ... hams sent to m-, 

dred of his Indians. Dieskau had received intelligence tcrcept them, is 

that the army at the lake was without arms or cannon, --- 

and by the unanimous desire of his Canadian and Indian troops, who 
feared to approach these instruments of death, he changed his plan of 
attack, and proceeded towards the main camp. When within three 
miles of it, the detachment which had been sent out, under Col. Wil¬ 
liams, was discovered. Dieskau immediately laid an ambuscade, into 
which they were drawn, surrounded, and defeated, with the loss of 
Col. Williams, Hendrick, and many other officers and men. Col. 
Whiting having succeeded in the command, extricated the troops from 
the ambuscade, and retreated with them to the main camp.- 

Gen. Johnson had but just completed a breastwork of 
trees, in front of his position, and mounted his artillery. Battle at lake 
He had heard the firing, and as it approached nearer feaSthe^Frerfch 

and nearer, he made every exertion to receive the ene-- 

my, who followed close upon his own troops, as they entered, and ad-i 
vanced, in regular order, to the centre of the camp. They halted at a 
little distance, which gave the provincials time to recover from the first 
alarm, so that when the French commenced the attack, they were re- 


16 






122 


HISTORY OF THE 


pulsed witli spirit and resolution. The provincials now became the as¬ 
sailants ; and victory declared in their favour. Dieskau was compelled 
to retreat; many of his troops were killed by a party which followed 
from the camp ; and himself was found, wounded and alone ; and in 
this condition, he was secured as a prisoner. Gen. Johnson had been 
wounded early in the action ; and Gen. Lyman having.succeeded him 
in the command, the provincials considered him as entitled to the 
honour of having led the troops to victory. Johnson, however, so re¬ 
presented the affair to the British government, that he received, as a 
compensation for his services, a baronetcy and five thousand pounds. 
The loss of the provincials was about two hundred men, principally 
those belonging to the detachment under Col. Williams; that of the 
French was 700 killed, and 300 made prisoners. 

1755 remainder of the French army halted, after their 

- route, near the place where Colonel Williams had in 

the morning been defeated. The next day they were here surprised, 
by a party of 120 New Hampshire militia, from Fort Edward, under 
Capt. M’Ginnes, who, after a severe conflict, gained a second decisive 
victory over them, and put them to flight. Capt. M’Ginnes unfortu¬ 
nately received a fatal wound.* * 

The success at lake George revived the spirits of the colonies; but 
Gen. Johnson, instead of proceeding with the army to reduce Crown 
AttackonCrown which was the object of the expedition, employed 

Point abandon- the remainder of the campaign in strengthening the 

-- v/orks at Fort Edward, and erecting a fort at the lake, 

which was called Fort William Henry. The last of November, the 
troops, with the exception of six hundred, who were left to garrison 
these forts, returned to their respective colonies. 

The enterprise against Niagaraj* was undertaken by 
Gov. Shirley, in person. He did not arrive at Oswego 

until the 21st of August, where, waiting for supplies until 


Enterprise a- 
gainst Niagara 
abandoned. 


the season was too far advanced for crossing the lake Ontario, he left 


* “In the midst of these battle grounds is a circular pond, where the dead bodies of 
most of those who were slain on this eventful day, were thrown. From that time to the 
present, it has been called the ‘ Bloody Pond,’—and there is not a child in this region, but 
will point you to the French Mountain and the Bloody Pond; and the tradition of the fact 
will be handed down to the latest posterity. ” 

t Niagara was one of the most important posts in America. It was the grand link which 
connected the colonies of Canada and Louisiana ; and the only way by which the Indians 
south of the lake could communicate with those of the north; and whoever commanded this 
post, must, in a greater or less degree, command all the Indians on the western frontier. 
Crown Point secured the absolute command of lake Champlain, and guarded the only pas¬ 
sage to Canada. By the reduction of this, the frontiers of New England and New'- York 
would be, in a measure, secured. 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


123 


700 hundred men, under Col. Mercer, to garrison the fort, and returned 
to Albany.' 

iVU this had been done without any declaration of war 1750 
between trance and England. The French ambassa- War declared 
dor, at the British court, exclaimed against it, as being {^a^id &\rSllfe'. 


A council of co¬ 
lonial governors, 


inconsistent with the law of nations; while the English 
government insisted that a formal declaration of w'ar was not necessary 
to authorize them to repel invasion by force. This state of things could 
not long continue, and in 1756 war was proclaimed between the two 
nations. 

Gov. Shirley, on his return from Oswego, the prece- 
ding autumn, had received the command of ali %e king’s 
forces in America. He immediately assembled at New- 
York a council of colonial governors, when it was proposed that, at the 
ensuing campaign, the northern colonies should raise sixteen thousand 
men for expeditions against Crown Point and Niagara ; while the south¬ 
ern colonies, aided by sonae regiments of regulars, should raise three 
thousand for the reduction of Fort Du Quesne. To facilitate the ope- 
rations of the northern colonies, a detachment of 2,000 troops was to be 
sent up the Kennebec, to divide the attention of the French, by making 
a feint on Quebec. Shirley, being governor of Massachusetts, returned 
to Boston, in January, to meet the assembly. That body, 
dissatisfied with the inefficient efforts of the last campaign, 
refused to*concur in the proposed measures, unless their 
forces were put under the command of Gen. Winslow, whose success 
in Nova Scotia had inspired them with confidence. The patriotic Shir¬ 
ley readily acceded to this proposal. 

Early in the spring of 1756, information was received that General 
Shirley was superseded in command by Gen. Abercrombie. To raise 
the number of troops requisite for the several expeditions which had 
been determined on by the council, the preceding autumn, required no 
inconsiderable exertion, on the part of the colonies ; and with their most 
vigorous efforts, but slow progress was made, in the accomplishment of 
the objects of the campaign. The French now possessed Ticonderoga, 
and it had been proposed, the preceding autumn, to get possession of 
this place by crossing the lake on the ice, and thus to facilitate the taking 
of Crown Point; but the mildness of the winter had prevented the exe¬ 
cution of this plan. Gen. Winslow, on taking his command, found that 
a sufficient number of troops had not been raised for the expedition. 
The militia of the colonies assembled at Albany; but Gen. Abercrombie did 
not arrive to direct their operations, until midsummer. The British troops 
which he brought with him, supplied the deficiency, in the numbers of 
the colonial forces; but their arrival also created a new cause for de¬ 
laying the expedition, by a dispute which occurred between generals 





HISTORY OF THE 


T34 


1756. 

Operation:, de- 
kyed by dispute 
v/itli regard to 
jnilitarv rank. 


Abercrombie and Winslow, concerning military rank.— 
Such were the regulations of the crown, on this sub¬ 
ject, that it was feared dissatisfaction would be created 
among the provincial troops, in consequence of British 
officers being placed over them. This point of honour, 
was, however, adjusted between Winslow and Abercrombie, by making 
arrangements for the provincials to proceed against Crown Point, under 
Winslow, while the British troops were to occupy the posts which they 
vacated. 

Lord Loudon ar- J^ly, Lord Loudon arrived in America, as comman- 

rives as cow- dei’-in-chief of the British forces, and governor of Virgi- 
niander-ni-chief . . . , . , 

-ma ; but affairs went on with no greater spirit or activity 

than they had done, previous to.his arrival. The contest respecting mi¬ 
litary rank was revived. The colonial officers however agreed to act 
in conjunction with European troops; and the Commander-in-chief con¬ 
sented that those raised in the New England colonies should act sepa¬ 
rately. It \vas therefore satisfactorily adjusted. 

During this period of inactivity on the part of the British generals, 
the Marquis de Montcalm, who had succeeded Dieskau in the com¬ 
mand of the French troops, had not only made preparations against 
future attacks, but had commenced offensive operations. The French 
had reduced a fort in the country of the Six Nations; and, 
continuing to watch the operations of the English, had 
laid an ambush to surprise a detachment* under Col. 
Bradstreet, which was tent to convey provisions from Schenectady to 
Oswego. Col. Bradstreet had, however, prepared himself for such an 
event. On the third of July, as he was sailing along the Oswego river. 
Col. Bradstreet saluted by a general discharge of musketry. He 

defeats a party immediately landed, repulsed the French, and took nearly 
-seventy prisoners. 

From these prisoners, the colonel learned that the enemy were mak¬ 
ing preparations for the siege of Oswego. He immediately returned 
to Albany, to convey the intelligence to Gen. Abercrombie. Gen. 
Webb was ordered to hold himself in readiness to march to the relief 
of the garrison. But the British generals, with a force sufficient to 
have penetrated to the heart of Canada, remained inactive at Albany, 
Auo-12 until the 12th of August, when Gen. Webb commenced 
Gen.'^Webb march for Oswego. He had advanced to the carry- 

heTe Oswego.'"' between the Mohawk and Wood Creek, when 

--he received intelligence of the surrender of that place. 

Montcalm, with more than 5,000 regulars, Canadians, and Indians, 
had invested the fort, on the 10th of August. The garrison having, 
on the 13th, experienced the loss of their courageous and veteran 


Offensive opera 
lions of thp 
French. 







REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


125 


commander, Col. Mercer, and judging their fort to be 
indefensible, on the 14th surrendered themselves as pri- Oswego *surren- 
soners of war. The French, by the possession of Os- 

wego, obtained the sole command of the lakes Ontario - 

and Erie, and the whole country of the Six Nations. 

Upon the loss of this important post, every plan of offensive operation 
was relinquished. Gen. Webb, with 1,400 men, was at the carrying 
place ; Gen. Winslow was ordered to remain and strengthen Fort 
William Henry ; and the expedition up the Kennebec ended in a mere 
scouting party. Nor was the management of affairs, during the cam- 
paign of 1756, more fortunate in the southern colonies. Pennsylvania, 
Virginia, and Maryland did not agree upon any regular plan of defence ; 
and no measures were taken to carry on the expedition against Fort Du 
Quesne. Fort Granby, on the confines of Pennsylvania, was surprised 
and taken by a party of French and Indians, who made The enemy ha- 

frequent incursions into the frontier settlements, and com- ^assthe southern 

^ ^ / settlements, 

mitted depredations on the defenceless inhabitants. - 

Lord Loudon now pretended it was too late to attempt any thing 
against the enemy; and spent the remainder of the season in prepara¬ 
tions for an early campaign the next spring. 


—♦— 

SECTION VI. 

No better success attended the schemes of Lord Lou- 1757. 
don, during the succeeding year. In the spring, he 
found himself at the head of a considerable army; but, on Louisbourg. 
instead of marching to the invasion of Canada, or at- 
tempting the reduction of any important fortress on the lakes, with 
6,000 regulars, he sailed for Halifax on the 6th of July, and joined, at 
that place, an English fleet, under Admiral Holborn, carrying a rein¬ 
forcement of 5,000 troops. Their united forces were to attack Louis¬ 
bourg ; but, on learning the strength of the place, and the arrival of a 
squadron of French ships, with a large land force, Lord Loudon aban¬ 
doned the expedition, and returned to New-York. The provincials 
were dismissed, and, in September, the fleet, being shattered by a vio¬ 
lent tempest, returned to England. Lord Loudon, the following win¬ 
ter, left the country. 

Determined to avail himself of the absence of a prin- 
cipal part of the British force, the active Montcalm con- siege Fort WU- 
centrated his forces at Ticonderoga, consisting of regu- — 







126 


HISTORY OF THE 


lars, Canadians, and Indians, and passing up lake George, he commenced 
the. siege of Fort William Henry, with 9,000 men. Col. Monroe, a 
British officer, commanded at that place. His force consisted of 2,200 
regulars and provincials, part of whom were posted at Fort William 
Henry, and the remainder in a fortified camp, where Fort George was 
subsequently built. Gen. Webb was, at this time, at Fort Edward 
with the English main army, consisting of 4,000 or 5,000 men„ After 
several skirmishes, in the vicinity of Fort William Henry, Montcalm 
opened his batteries ; and for six days the siege was vigorously pressed. 
Monroe defended his position with spirit, and, in the mean time, ear¬ 
nestly solicited aid from Webb; but finding that inactive commander deaf 
to his entreaties, having burst many of his guns, and expended most of 

his ammunition, he was at length compelled to surrender, 
Monroe capita- . • i i i i 

lates. A capitulation was signed on the ninth of August, by 

which the troops were allowed the honours of war, and 
were, from fears on account of the Indians, to be sent under an escort 
to Fort Edward. Soon after Monroe capitulated, a detachment of the 
^ ^ French took possession of his works. About the same 

William Henry, time, the Indians, who had engaged to serve in the war on 

the promise of plunder, irritated at the terms of the surren¬ 
der, rushed over the parapet, and began to take such small articles as they 
could seize with impunity, and at length became so bold as to plunder 
the officers’ baggage. Monroe, feeling the horrors of his situation, with 
his troops exposed at midnight within the camp to the cruelty of the 
savages, vainly attempted to conduct them forth; but no sooner had he 
put them in motion, than he found, that, bad as was their situation 
within the camp, it was worse without ; for the woods were infested 
with ferocious Indians, thirsting for blood and plunder. He complained 
to Montcalm of a breach of the articles of capitulation : but that officer, 
enthralled by his engagements with the savages, and probably operated 
on by his fears, connived at their barbarity; and when the troops under 
Monroe left the camp in the morning to commence their march, instead 
of the promised escort, they received from the French officers, the ad¬ 
vice to give up their private property as a means of appeasing the 
Indians. They attempted this, and threw them their money and effects; 
but their rapacity increasing with this partial gratification, they rushed, 
tomahawk in hand, upon the English, now a band of desperate fugitives, 

■ who were stripping off their clothes, and glad to escape naked with 
their lives. The sick, the wounded, the women, and the children unable 
to escape in this way, were murdered with all the aggravating circum¬ 
stances which savage cruelty could suggest. Some that had escaped to 
Fort Edward, were wrought by agony of feeling to a state of delirium. 

Webb, on receiving intelligence of the capitulation, ordered five hun¬ 
dred men to meet the captured troops, and conduct them to his camp; 




REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


127 


but, instead of meeting them with an escort, they were discovered fly¬ 
ing througli the woods singly, or in small parties, some distracted, and 
many bleeding with the horrid cuts of the tomahawk, faint, and nearly 
exhausted. Soon after this shocking scene, Gen. Webb detached Maj. 
Putnam, with a corps of rangers, to watch the movements of Montcalm. 
He arrived at the lake just after the French had embarked, on their 
return to Ticonderoga. Along the road, dead bodies were every where 
seen weltering in blood, and violated with all the wanton mutilations 
of savage ingenuity. 

During the years 1756 and 1757, Washington com- Washington 
manded a regiment which was raised for the protection 
of the frontiers of Virginia ; and was incessantly occu- defence of Va. 
pied in efforts to shield the exposed settlements from the 
incursions of the savages. His exertions were in a great 'degree in¬ 
effectual, in consequence of the errors and pride of government, and 
the impossibility of guarding, with a few troops, an extended territory 
from an enemy which was averse to) open warfare. He, in the most 
earnest manner, recommended offensive measures as the only method 
of giving complete protection to the scattered colonies. 

There is nothing in the separate civil history of the affairs. 

colonies, during this period, which deserves particular at- -;- 

tention. In all their proceedings with the royal governors, as well as 
in their direct intercourse with Great Britain, the colonists evinced that 
jealousy of their liberties, which prevented any bold attempt, on the part 
of Great Britain, to enforce those restrictive measures, which were thus 
early contemplated, with regard to America. 

Pennsylvania still continued under the government of the proprietors. 

In 1757, a dispute arose between the proprietary go- 

vernor and the assembly, respecting the right of the pro- Dispute between 

nrietors to exempt their own lands in the province from the proprietors 
t / 1 1 r ^tid inhabitants 

taxation, the object of which was to pay tor the cleience of Pennsylvania^ 

of those lands. To adjust this dispute, Benjamin Frank- 
lin was sent to England, and the business was soon closed, by the pro¬ 
prietors submitting their property to be taxed, provided the assessments 
were fair and equitable. ‘ ’ * 

The languid and spiritless manner in which the war had been con¬ 
ducted, and its consequent ill success, aroused both England and Ame¬ 
rica, and produced a reaction which carried England to 
her highest pinnacle of glory. The greatest statesman prime minister, 
of her annals, William Pitt, afterwards earl of Chatham, 
was now called to the office of prime minister; and such was the in¬ 
fluence of his towering eloquence and austere patriotism, that he con¬ 
trolled, not only the energies of the government, but the spirit of the 
people. His dreaded voice fearlessly denounced the selfishness and 






128 


HISTORY OF THE 


pusillanimity of the public agents, which had been employed while 
his keen eye could search out worth, and his generous hand bring for¬ 
ward, and reward it. Nor was his warmth the ebullition of the mo¬ 
ment ; his perseverance was equal to his energy, and his efforts ^yere 
guided by a judgment which, while it was rapid in its decisions, was, at 
the same time, profound and comprehensive in its investigations. His 
powerful mind was fully manifest in the impulse which he gave to the 
British affairs in America. Aware that the colonies were in danger 
of being discouraged by the inefliciency of the parent country, Pitt 
assured them, in a circular letter which he addressed to the governors 
of the provinces, that an effectual force should be sent against the 
French, both by sea and land, and he exhorted them to use their ut- 

1758 exertions to raise as large bodies of men as the po- 

Great exertions pulation of their respective colonies would allow. Ani- 
bnies mated by this call, and these assurances, from a man 

- who had restored their confidence in the British govern¬ 
ment, the colonists renewed their efforts,* and increased their army to 
20,000 men. 

Gen. Abercrombie was appointed to succeed the earl of Loudon in 

^ ^ the command of all the British forces in x^merica. An 

Forces sent from 

England. armament was sent out under Admiral Boscawen, bear- 

ing 12,000 British troops under Major General Amherst, 
which, with the British forces, previously in America, and the provin- 
cial troops, made up an army of fifty thousand ; a far greater force 
than had ever before existed at the same time in America: and such 
was the awakened energy of the public spirit, that these troops were 
all in readiness for action early in the spring.* Nor were they delayed 
^ by irresolution as to the objects to be attempted. These 

having been well considered the preceding winter, three 
expeditions were resolved on, against Louisbourg, Crown 
Point, and Fort Du Quesne. 

The possession of Louisbourg was deemed important, principally be¬ 
cause it would, by opening the gulf of St. Lawrence to the English, 
facilitate the seizure of the capital of Canada; the grand project of 
the British minister having nothing in view short of the absolute de- 
A large arraa- ®truction of the French power in America. The enter- 
ment sails to at- prise against Louisbourg was conducted by the land and 

- naval commanders, Amherst and Boscawen, with 20 

ships of the line, and 14,000 men. The armament left Halifax on the 
24th of May, and arrived before Louisbourg on the second of June. 
The garrison was commanded by a brave and experienced officer, the 

» Of these, Massachusetts furnished 7,000; Connecticut 5,000; and New Hampshire 3,000 






REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


129 


Chevalier de Drucourt. But his means of defence were not equal to 
his abilities, his garrison consisting of only 3,000 men, while his forti¬ 
fications were in a ruinous condition. He had, however, for the secu¬ 
rity of the harbour, eleven warlike vessels, five of which were ships of 
the line. Three of these being sunk across the basin of the har¬ 
bour, the English were obliged to land at some distance from the town. 
1 he landing of the men, artillery, and stores, was effected with little 
loss, and it next became the object of the British com- 
mander, to possess himself of an eminence near the town cures Light- 
from which he could annoy the enemy, and destroy the 
fortifications. This service was performed with great boldness and 
skill, and is rendered remarkable in the annals of history, from its be-* 
ing the opening scene of military glory for the hero of this war—the 
gallant James Wolfe ; one whom the searching eye of Pitt had disco¬ 
vered, and his energetic hand brought forth as a man fit for the post 
of difficulty and danger. The eminence which Wolfe secured was 
called Light-house Point. Here heavy batteries were Batteries erect 
erected, as were also others on the opposite side of the ed to command 

town ; although at a greater distance. In the mean time - 

the ffeet was rendering essential services. It had, from the first, block¬ 
aded the entrance of the St. Lawrence, so that the French supplies 
were cut off, not only from Louisbourg, but from their other, colonies. 
Admiral Boscawen at length succeeded in getting pos- 
session of the harbour. A bomb from the battery at are destroyed, & 
Light-house Point had set fire to one of the French ships, sessSellarbour: 

and the fiames communicated the same fate to two others.- 

Of the two remaining ships of the line, one ran aground, and was de¬ 
stroyed by a party sent out by the British admiral, and the other was 
towed off in triumph. The unfortunate De Drucourt, seeing himself 
surrounded on all sides, his harbour filled with British ships, and his 
fortifications crumbling before their batteries, infiuenced 
by the wishes of the traders and inhabitants, at length Loul^^^r^ sur 
agreed to capitulate ; and, on the 6th of July, resigned renders, 
the place to the British commander. Thus ended the 
most important and best conducted siege which had ever been laid in 
America. The loss was deeply felt by France, and the gain no less 
sensibly by England, and her rejoicing colonies. The merchants and 
inhabitants were sent to France, and the garrison and marines, amount^ 
ing to 5,637, were transported to England. Two hundred and twenty 
pieces of cannon and eighteen mortars, besides much of the French 
shipping, fell into the hands of the English. Their loss English obtain; 

was between four and five hundred men. Having ob- Cape Breton and 
„ _ . , , 1 , the island of St. 

tained possession of Ivouisbourg they extended with ease John’s. 

17 






130 


HISTORY OF THE 


their conquests over the whole island of Cape Breton, and subse¬ 
quently over that of St. Johns.* * 

The joy arising from these conquests was checked by 
gain^^Crowii the disastrous result of the expedition against Crown 

Point and Ti- Point and Ticonderoga, forts which commanded lake 
conderoga. < ° . 

- Champlain. This expedition was led by Abercrombie, in 

person, with 16,000 effective men. He was accompanied by the gallant 
and amiable Lord Howe. The troops embarked on lake George, on the 
5th of July, and landed without opposition, under the cover of several 
pieces of heavy artillery. The French not being in sufficient force to 
oppose them, deserted their camp and made a hasty retreat. The 
English general then advanced towards the fortress of Ticonderoga, 
through woods which were almost impassable, and with unskilful guides. 
When approaching the fort, a skirmish took place with a small party 
of the enemy, in which Lord Howe was killed. On seeing him fall, 
the troops moved forward, resolutely determined to avenge his death. 
Three hundred of the enemy were killed on the spot, and one hundred 
made prisoners. 

j j g Abercrombie, having learned that a reinforcement of 

Abercrombie re- 3,000 men was daily expected by the French, was re¬ 
pulsed at Ticon- solved to storm the place before it should arrive. - He 
deroga. ^ . 

- did not even wait for his artillery ; and probably to this 

precipitation it was owing that the attempt was unsuccessful, notwith¬ 
standing the great bravery of the soldiers. After a contest of four hours, 
the expedition was relinquished. Near 2,000 of the assailants were 
killed or wounded. The loss of the French was not great, and most 
of the killed were shot through the head, the other parts of their bodies 
being protected by the works. 

After this repulse, Abercrombie retired to his former 


Aug. 27. 

Bfddstreet takes 


quarters, on the south side of lake George. Here he 
Forri'rontenac! Consented, at the solicitation of Colonel Bradstreet, to 
detach him with 3,000 men, against Fort Frontenac. 


With these troops, who were mostly provincials, he marched to Oswego, 
embarked on lake Ontario, and landed on the 25th of August within a 
mile of the fort, opened his batteries, and in two days forced this im¬ 
portant fortress to surrender. As this fort contained the military stores 
which were intended for the Indians, and ^r the supply of the south¬ 
western troops, its demolition contributed to the success of the expedi¬ 
tion against Fort Du Quesne. ^ 


* The English historians speak with severe reprehension of the French governor of St. 
John’s; in whose quarters was found a human scalp, which had been bought of the Indians. 
They little supposed that a British legislative hall would ever be disgraced by the same in¬ 
human trophy. (See account of the capture of York, April 27,1813.) 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


131 


To dispossess the French at Fort Du Quesne, was the 


July. 


object of the third expedition contemplated this year. Expedition a- 
To this Washington had long looked with anxiety; as 
the security of Virginia and the adjacent states from In¬ 


dian incursions depended on the possession of this important post. 
The enterprise was entrusted to General Forbes, who, early in July, 
marched from Philadelphia with the main body of the army to Ray’s 
town, about ninety miles from Fort Du Quesne, where he experienced 
a long delay. It was not until September that the^ Virginia regulars 
were ordered to join him. Against all the remonstrances of Colonel 
Washington, by whom they were commanded, Gen. Forbes resolved 
to open a new road from this place to the Ohio. About the same time 
he sent forward a detachment under Maj. Grant, to reconnoitre Fort 
Du Quesne and the adjacent country. This officer imprudently invited 
an attack from the French garrison, and in the action * , , , 

® _ A detachment 

which followed, three hundred of his party were killed underMaj.Grant 

, or taken prisoners, and the remainder made a disorderly -^- 

retreat. Maj. Grant and nineteen officers were among the prisoners. 

Not discouraged by this adverse circumstance, Gen. Forbes left 
Ray’s town, on the 8 th of October, with an army of 8,000 men, but such 
was the delay occasioned by opening the new road, that it was deter¬ 
mined not to proceed any farther during the campaign. Intelligence 
which was received, of the weakness of the French garrison, induced 
an alteration of this plan; and, by slow marches, the army was ena¬ 
bled to reach Fort Du Quesne, on the 25th of November, of which they 
took peaceable possession; the enemy having, on the 25 

preceding night, set fire to the fort, abandoned it, and English take pos- 
proceeded down the Ohio. The works at this place D^Quesnl^”^^ 

were repaired, and its name changed to Fort Pitt, since -- 

called Pittsburg. Gen. Forbes invited the Indians to his fort, and en¬ 
tered into a treaty of friendship and alliance with those tribes between 
the Ohio and the lakes. This officer, worn out with the fatigues of the 
expedition, set out for Philadelphia, but died on the way. 

Thus terminated the campaign of 1758. America had been the prin¬ 
cipal theatre of the warlike operations of Great Britain. A mighty 
force had been brought into action; and, although every expectation 
had not been realized, yet the successes of the campaign were decisive 
and honourable to the nation. 

Another event of this year contributed to produce the fortunate issue 
of the next. This was a treaty of peace with the Indians 
between the Appalachian mountains and the lakes. The 
French, while in possession of Fort Du Quesne, had 
exerted great influence over them, and succeeded in estranging them 
from the English. The grand assembly was held at Easton, in Penn 






J32 


HISTORY OF THE 


sylvania, and the treaty managed, on the part of Great Britain, by the 
governors of New-York and New Jersey, Sir William Johnson, and 
other agents, appointed for this purpose. Deputies were sent from the 
Six Nations, from the Naiiticokes, Conies, Tuteloes, Delawares, Mini- 
^inks, Mohicans, and a few other tribes, with whom all matters of dis 
pute were satisfactorily settled, and a treaty of peace concluded. 


SECTION VII. 


1759. The campaign of 1759, had for its object the entire 

Objects of this reduction of Canada. After the disaster at Ticonderoga, 
-the chief command was given to Major General Amherst. 

The British army was divided into three parts, exhibiting the follow¬ 
ing order. The first division, under Brigadier General Wolfe, who had 
distinguished himself at the siege of Louisbourg, was to make an at¬ 
tempt on Quebec, the principal fortress of the enemy in Canada. The 
second division, under General Amherst, was to be led against Ticon¬ 
deroga and Crown Point, after which it was to unite with that of Wolfe 
at Quebec ; and the third, under General Prideaux, consisting of pro¬ 
vincials and Indians, was to march against the strong hold of Niagara; 
and afterwards to proceed down the St. Lawrence, and attack Mon¬ 
treal. These three armies were to enter Canada by different routes, 
and attack, at nearly the same time, all the strong holds of the French 
in that country; viz. Ticonderoga, Crown Point, Niagara, and Quebec. 
Amherst takes If was late in July before Gen. Amherst reached Ti- 
CrownPoint and conderoffa. The fortress soon surrendered, and after 

- repairing the works, he proceeded against Crown Point, 

which, on his approach, was evacuated, and the enemy returned to the 
isle Aux Noix. Gen. Amherst did not follow up his successes, but led 
back his army to Crown Point, where he encamped for the winter. 

The division under Prideaux, destined against Niagara, arrived there 
without loss or opposition, and on the 6th of July, the fort was besieged 
in form. While directing the operations of the siege, Gen. Prideaux 
was killed by the bursting of a shell, and the command devolved on 
Sir William Johnson, who successfully prosecuted the plans of his 
lamented predecessor. The French made great efforts to relieve the 
garrison of this important fortress, which they considered 
Niagara ^is be- interior of their empire in America. They 

3e^rs^”to The ' English, but the Indians, in their al- 

;pnglish. liance deserted them in the heat of the engagement, and 

victory declared in favour of their opponents. This 






REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


133 


battle determined the fate of the place ; and the garrison, consisting of 
600 men, fell into the hands of the British ; and thus all communica¬ 
tion between the northern and soutliern possessions of the French was 
effectually barred. The loss of the British was considerable. 

But the boldest and most important part of the plan of wolfe conducts 
the campaign was that 'under Gen. Wolfe, against Que- 

bee, the capital ofthe French possessions, and the strong. - 

est fortress of America. Wolfe employed the winter in making all ne¬ 
cessary preparations, and was ready, the moment the ice permitted, to 
sail from the harbour of Louisbourg. He was convoyed by the admi¬ 
rals Saunders and Holmes; and had an army of 8,000 men, and a 
formidable train of artillery. After a prosperous voyage, late in June, 
he landed his army on the island of Orleans. From this 
spot Wolfe reconnoitered the position of his enemy, and 
saw the full magnitude ofthe difficulties which surrounded 
him. The city of Quebec rose before him, upon the 
north side of the St. Lawrence ; its upper town and strong fortifications, 
situated on a rock, whose bold and steep front continued far westward, 
parallel with the river, its base near to the shore ; thus presenting a 
wall, on the southern side, which it seemed impossible to scale.' From 
the northwest came down the St. Charles, entering the St. Lawrence 
just below the town; its banks high and uneven, and cut by deep ra¬ 
vines ; while armed vessels were borne upon its waters, and floating 
batteries obstructed its entrance. Farther down the St. Lawrence was 
the mouth of the river Montmorency; and Wolfe learned that between 
this river and the St. Charles was strongly posted the French army, 
said to be in force equal to his own, and known to be commanded by 
the same Montcalm, whose prowess the fields of Fort William Henry, 
Oswego, and Ticonderoga could attest. When Wolfe looked upon this 
prospect, his reason showed him that there were fearful chances against 
him; and this he communicated to his government; yet he possessed 
that ardent enthusiasm, which is the more stimulated as difficulties in¬ 
crease, and he proceeded with alacrity, resolved that his career should 
terminate in glorj", or in death. 

His first measure was to take possession of Point Levi, 
on the St. Lawrence, opposite Quebec. Here he erected sion of Pt. Levi. 

heavy batteries, and opened them upon the town. They - 

did great execution among the houses, particularly those of the lower 
town, which is built on the strand, along the margin of the river, at the 
base of the huge rock on which rest the fortifications; but the fortress 
itself was totally uninjured by the batteries at Point Levi. 

Perceiving this, Wolfe next sought to draw Montcalm 
from his intrenchments, and bring on an engagement. 

For this purpose he landed his army below the Montmo- retires with loss 


1759. 

He lands his 
troops on the 
Isle of Orleans. 





134 


HISTORY OF THE 


Wolfe burns 
magazine at 
Chambaud. 


Difficulties of his 
situation. 


to the Isle of rency; btlt the wary Montcalm eluded every artifice to 

_ draw him out. Wolfe next crossed the Montmorency, 

with a portion of his army, and attacked him in his camp. The troops 
which were to commence the assault fell into confusion, from having, 
with irregular ardour, disobeyed the orders of the general. Perceiving 
their confusion, he drew them off with the loss of 400 men; recrossed the 
Montmorency, and retired to the island of Orleans. He formed various 
other plans for annoying the enemy ; one of which was, 
in conjunction with the admiral, to destroy their shipping, 
but, in all, except a project of burning some magazines 
at Chambaud, he was unsuccessful. 

At this point of the enterprise, the soul of the young 

- hero was severely tried. Success seemed to fly from his 

grasp; yet he felt, that with the people of his country, success would 
be the criterion of his merit; and that want of it would stamp him with 
disgrace, however little he might deserve it. He had heard of the 
fortunate issue of the other expeditions of the campaign; and he con¬ 
trasted the situation of the victors with his own. To crown his uneasi¬ 
ness, the expected succour from Amherst was likely to fail him. He 
sighed frequently. His countenance sometimes flashed with his lofty 
designs, and sometimes sunk in gloom, as he dreaded their failure, 
which he determined not to survive. His mind towered above the sen¬ 
sibilities of his heart, and kept on its course; but his bodily health 
sunk beneath the keenness of his feelings. He wrote to Mr. Pitt, a 
letter, which, had he been unfortunate in the attempt he meditated, 
would have been the best apology for what he was sensible was 
temerity. “We have,” says he, “almost the whole force of Canada 
to oppose ; the affairs of Great Britain require the most vigorous mea- 
sures; but,” added he, as if preparing him for disappointment, “ the 
courage of a handful of brave men should be exerted, only where there 
is hope of a favourable event.” 

Resolves to at- which Wolfe had resolved in his mind, and 

tempt scaling now, with the approbation of a council of his officers 
Abraham. determined to attempt, was to scale, in the night, and at 


■- some distance above Quebec, the bold precipice on which 

the fortifications were built, and thus reach the level plain above, called 
the Heights of Abraham. 

Montcalm who perceived from the breaking up of the camp at Or- 
leans, the embarkation of Wolfe’s army, and their subsequent moving 
up the river, that something was to be attempted, despatched M. de 
Bourgainville, with 1,500 men, to move higher up the St. Lawrence, 
and watch the motions of the English. 

O ^ 

Wolfe, notwithstanding he was labouring under a complication of 
bodily diseases, would trust the execution of his plan to no one but him- 






REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


135 


self. He directed Admiral Holmes, who commanded the squadron, in 

which himself and the army had embarked, to sail up the river several 

miles higher than the intended point of debarkation. This movement 

deceived De Bourgainville, and gave Wolfe the advantage of the current 

and the tide, to float his boats silently down to the destined spot. This 

was done about an hour before daylight. Wolfe was the first man who 

leaped on shore. When he saw the difficulties around , 

, . , . , , _ He gains the 

liim, he said to some one near, “ 1 do not believe there is plains of Abra- 

a possibility of getting up, but we must do our endeavour.” 

The rapidity of the stream was hurrying along their -- 

boats, and some had already gone beyond the narrow landing-place. 
The shore was so shelving, that it was almost impossible to ascend; 
and it was lined with French sentinels. One of these hailed, and was 
answered by a captain, who fully understood the French language, and 
who had been especially instructed for this purpose. Escaping these 
dangers at the water’s edge, they proceeded, though with the utmost 
difficulty, to scale the precipice, pulling themselves up by the roots and 
branches of the trees and the projecting rocks in their way. The first 
party who reached the heights, secured a small battery, which crowned 
them; and thus the remainder of the army ascended in safety; and 
here, on this lofty plain, which commands one of the most magnificent 
prospects which nature has formed, the British army, drawn up in a 
highly advantageous position, were, in the morning, discovered by the 
Marquis de Montcalm. This officer perceived with deep regret the 
advantage gained by his opponent. Leaving his strong position, he 
crossed the St. Charles, and prepared, with alacrity, for what he per¬ 
ceived he could no longer avoid—a battle, which he knew would de¬ 
cide the fate of Quebec ; and which, in reality, decided also the sove¬ 
reignty of the Canadas; and was, in its results, by far the most important 
engagement which had been fought in civilized America. 

As soon as Wolfe had notice of the designs of the gep. 13. 

enemy, he formed his order of battle. His right wing The English ob- 

i- ir tain the victory, 

was under the command of Gen. Monckton, his left un- - 

der Gen. Murray; while another body of troops, under Brigadier Gene¬ 
ral Townshend, prevented the intention of the French, of outflanking 
the British on the left. Montcalm had, on his part, made the most ju¬ 
dicious arrangement of his men, and himself intrepidly led on the 
attack. Being on the left of the French, he was opposed to Wolfe, 
on the right of the British. The French advanced upon the English 
with great spirit, but their fire was irregular and ineffectual. The 
English reserved their fire, until the French were within forty yards, 
when they gave it with steadiness and effect. Desirous to follow up 
this advantage, the fearless Wolfe, though already wounded, put himself 
at the head of a party, whom he ordered to charge. They rushed on 




136 


HISTORY OF THE 


impetuously, and the enemy were giving way. At that moment, a ball 
passing through his breast, he fell, mortally wounded. Monckton suc¬ 
ceeded in command, and was ardently pushing the battle, when he 
too was wounded, and being carried from the field, Townshend took the 
command. Montcalm also fell mortally wounded, and his principal 
officers shared the same fate. The French gave way. The English 
advanced upon them v/ith their bayonets fixed, and the Highlanders 
with their broadswords 5 and victory declared in favour of Great Britain. 

The wound with which Wolfe fell was the third which he had re¬ 
ceived in the battle. He was removed from the field; but he watched 
it with intense anxiety, as faint with the loss of blood, he reclined his 
languid head upon the supporting arm of an officer. A cry was heard, 
‘‘ they fly, they fly !”—“ Who fly?” he exclaimed. “ The enemy,” was 
Death of Wolfe, “Then,” said he, “I die content;” and ex- 

- pired. Not less heroic was the death of Montcalm. He 

Of Montcalm rejoiced when told that his wound was mortal; “ For,” 
- said he, “I shall not live to see the surrender of Quebec.” 

The battle cost fewer lives than might have been expected. The 
’ loss of the English was fifty men killed, and about five hundred wounded. 
About one thousand of the French were slain on the field of battle, and 
the same number made prisoners. 

After the battle, the affairs of the English were conducted with great 
discretion by Gen. Townshend ; whereas, the French, in their panic, 
appear to have yielded at once to the suggestions of their fears. The 

Sep. 18. capitulation of Quebec was signed within five days after 

Quebec surren- the battle. Townshend save favourable terms to the 
ders. . 

- garrison, for he knew that the resources of the French 

were by no means exhausted. They had a considerable army under 
De Bourgainville, ready to enter the town ; also a force under M. de 
Levi, which, having advanced from Montreal, was now assembled in 
the neighbourhood of Quebec, whose fortifications were yet uninjured. 
Once, however, in command of these fortifications, the English were 
safe themselves, and found no difficulty in completing the subjugation 
of Canada. 

Soon after the capture of Quebec, Gen. Townshend returned to Eng¬ 
land, leaving Gen. Murray in command with a garrison of 5,000 men. 
The French army retired to Montreal ; and M. de Levi, who had 
succeeded Montcalm, being, in the course of the winter, reinforced by 

1760. Canadians and Indians, the following spring, with a force 
French attempt of 6,000, returned to Quebec. Gen. Murray left the 
bee. ^ ^ fortress, and the Heights of Abraham became the scene 

of another battle equally bloody, though not equally im¬ 
portant in its consequences with the first. The armies on each side 
sustained the loss of 1,000 men. After the battle, Gen. Murray retired 






REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


137 


within his fortifications; and M. de Levi, abandoning all thoughts of 
obtaining possession of Quebec, returned to Montreal; and here Vau- 
dreil, the governor, assembled all the force of Canada. 

In the mean time, Gen. Amherst had made arrangements for assem¬ 
bling before this place all the British forces, from lake Ontario, lake 
Champlain, and Quebec. Here they fortunately arrived within two 
days of each other, and immediately invested the place. Vaudreil 
found their united force too strong to be resisted; and on the 8th of 
September, he surrendered Montreal, Detroit, Michili- Canada surren- 
mackinack, and all the French possessions in Canada, to dered to Great 
his Britannic Majesty. _ 

George III. succeeded to the throne of England soon jf 

after the capture of Quebec; and Mr. Pitt, finding his George HI. 
influence with the new king not sufficiently great to allow ush^iSniltry^” 
to him the measures, for which, from the nature of his -- 


situation, he became responsible, resigned the seals in October, 17G1. 
The earl of Bute was the following year made prime minister. The 
first object of the new administration was the restoration of peace ; and 
contrary to the wishes of the nation, the minister prevailed, and thg 
treaty was soon after formally ratified. Scarcely was this accom¬ 
plished, when the earl of Bute, to the astonishment of the whole nation, 
resigned his place, which was immediately given to Mr. George Gren 
ville, who was connected with the family of Mr. Pitt. It was now 
supposed that Mr. Pitt would again be brought into the cabinet; but 
he declined taking a part in the administration. 

The French, in retiring from Fort Du Quesne into Louisiana, in. 
trigued with the Cherokees, and succeeded in destroying the alliance, 
which had been so long maintained by that nation with the English. 
Carolina consequently suffered from their incursions, and was making 
preparations to proceed against them, when the savages received in¬ 
formation of their designs, and sued for peace. In 1759, a treaty was 
concluded, but, notwithstanding, the following year, they again com- 
menced hostilities upon this state. When the distressed 
situation of the Carolinians was made known to Gen. Cherokees. 
Amherst, he sent Col. Montgomery with a body of regu- 
lars to their relief. Being joined by such forces as could be raised in 
Carolina, he marched into the Cherokee country, destroyed all their 
lower towns, and was approaching Etchoc, the first of their middle set¬ 
tlements, when he was attacked, in an almost impenetrable thicket, by 
a large body of savages. A severe action was fought. The English 
claimed the victory ; but so great was their loss, that they immediately 
retreated from the countiy. 

The war continuing to rage, Gen. Amherst was again solicited for 

18 





]38 


HISTORY OF THE 


assistance ; anjd the following year, several regiments were detached 
under Col. Grant, who, early in June, marched into the Cherokee 
country, and found the Indians ready for battle, at the place where Col. 
Montgomery had defeated them. The contest was severe, but the Eng¬ 
lish finally prevailed, and pursuing the enemy to Etchoc, burned their 
dwellings, and laid waste their whole country. The savages, completely 
humbled, begged for peace, which was granted, and the 
southern provinces were thus delivered from farther de¬ 
predations. 

In 1761, France and Spain entered into a “ family 
compact.” By this means England became involved in 
a war with Spain ; and in 1762, she sent out a powerful 
fleet, and, aided by forces from New England, took from France Mar- 
tinico, and, the other Carribee isles ; and from Spain, Havana, the capi¬ 
tal of Cuba, which was her principal fortress and strong hold in Ame¬ 
rica. In other parts of the world the arms of England were also suc¬ 
cessful, and she was thus enabled to obtain a highly advantageous 
peace. < 

17C3 Preliminaries having been previously adjusted, the de- 

Peace of Paris finitive treaty was signed at Paris in February, 1763, by 

- which England obtained from France all her possessions 

in America, east of the Mississippi, excepting the island of New Or¬ 
leans ; the navigation of that river being left open to both nations. 
From Spain she obtained Florida, in exchange for Havana ; and France, 
at the same time, gave to Spain the territory of Louisiana. 

Geographical notices of the country at the Sixth Epocha, or in 1763, the 
date of the Sixth Map. 

New settlements were commenced in Georgia; Savannah, New In¬ 
verness, Augusta, and Frederica, were founded. The town of Ben¬ 
nington, in Vermont, was settled. In Maine, the counties of Cumber¬ 
land and 'Lincoln were formed. 


1761. 

The Cherokees 
are defeated. 


England at war 
with Spain. 


Population. 


New England,.500,000. 

Connecticut,.141,000. 

Massachusetts,.240,000. 

Virginia,.170,000.. 

Maryland, ...108,000. 










REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


139 


North Carolina,. 95,000 whites. 

Pennsylvania,.280,000. 

New Jersey,..more than 60,000. 

The population of the other states unknown. 

Principal Tovms. —Boston, containing 15,500 inhabitants ; New- 
York, 12,000 ; Philadelphia, 13,000 ; Charleston, S. C. between 5 and 
6,000. Capital of New Jersey removed to Perth Amboy. 

For the other principal towns, see geographical notices at the Fifth 
Epocha. 

Exports, Sfc. —Great quantities of tobacco were exported from Vir- 
ginia and Maryland. Rice, pitch, turpentine, lignumvitae, indigo, bra- 
ziletto wood, and furs, from North and South Carolina. The amount 
of exports fro^ Georgia, in the year 1760, amounted to 20,852 pounds. 
The commerce of South Carolina employed 300 ships. 

Colleges. —Harvard and Yale Universities; William and Mary’s 
College, in Virginia; Columbia College, in New York ; and Nassau 
Hall, in New Jersey. 

Societies formed. 

1742. The Library Company of Philadelphia, was incorporated. 

1747. A Library was founded at Newport, R. I. for the promotion 
of literature in the colony. 

1751. The South Carolina Society was incorporated. 

1752. The Marine Society of Newport established. 

1754. The Massachusetts Marine Society established. 

Catalogue of eminent men who died during the period ex^ year in which 
tending from 1733 to 1763. 

Robert Hunter, governor of New-York and New 
Jersey, and author of the celebrated Letter on Enthu¬ 
siasm. 

David Brainard, an eminent preacher, and mission¬ 
ary to the Indians. 

Benjamin Colman, D. D. a learned divine ; publica¬ 
tions numerous; chiefly theological. 

Jonathan Dickinson, first president of New Jersey 
College 


1734 . 

1747 . 





140 


HISTORY OF THE 


1751 . 

1757 . 

1758 . 

1759 . 
1761 . 


James Logan, an eminent scholar ; published several 
treatises in Latin; also, a version of “ Cicero de Se- 
nectute.” 

Aaron Burr, a learned divine, and president of 
Princeton College. 

Thomas Prince, author of History of New England. 

Jonathan Edwards, president of Princeton College, 
Ni J. an eminent divine, and acute metaphysician; 
published a “ Treatise on the Affections.” 

James Wolfe, a celebrated English general. 

Samuel Davies, president of Princeton College ; au¬ 
thor of several volumes of Sermons. 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


141 . 


PART VII. 

COMPRISES THE EVENTS WHICH OCCURRED FROM THE ^ 

Close of the I SIXTH EPOCHA, 1763, j French war, 

TO THE 

TheDeclarationofIn-i (first Continental Con-. 

dependence two years > SEVENTH EPOCHA, 1776 . < gress. -V 

after the meeting of the) - ( 

4 • 


SECTION I. 

We come now to trace the causes by which England causes which 
lost her colonies, and America gained her independence. 

If we look back upon the general current of events, we - 

shall find, that the determination made by England, soon' after the 
peace of Paris, to tax her American colonies, and their subsequent re¬ 
sistance, to which the revolution is often solely referred, were them¬ 
selves events naturally arising from the wide diversity of public senti¬ 
ment and feeling, on certain subjects; so intimately connected with their 
mutual relations, that, in one way or another, the discontents thence 
arising, must, sooner or later, have come to the test of open and deter¬ 
mined opposition. If a father fully believes himself justly possessed 
of power over his son, or an elder brother over a younger, which the 
son, or younger brother, solemnly considers as a mere tyrannical assump¬ 
tion, to which he could not submit, without degrading himself to a state 
of slavery, it is not difficult to predict, that, without a change of opinion, 
on one side or the other, a contest must arise ; and, if the power of the 
elder party cannot force submission from the younger, a separation 
must ensue. This had now become the condition of England and 
America. Perhaps, the figurative language, by which England was 
called the mother country, had, as in many other cases of political de¬ 
lusion, no inconsiderable share in giving to the nation, to which all 
allowed a parental name, the idea that she had rights similar to those 



142 


HISTORY OF THE 


Subjects on 
which there was 
a clifFcxence of 
opinion between 
England and 
America. 


which a parent has over a child; whereas, on examination, scarcely 
the slightest analogy appears in the cases; and, on the other hand, 
had it been common to use language, by which the colonists had been 
represented as brethren and fellow subjects with the people of England, 
as they justly claimed to be considered, England might not have been 
unjust, nor her colonies driven to revolt. 

The most sagacious of the American statesmen, had long before 
perceived the unjust extent of the claims of England ; and had wisely 
drawn the conclusion, that if, as was probably to be expected, those 
claims should be enforced, the state of the colonies must be that of ab¬ 
ject slavery; a condition, which, to their erect, unyielding spirits, was 
worse than death itself; and hence they had watched the storm as it 
gathered at a distance, and when, at length, it burst, it found them pre¬ 
pared for the emergency. 

England believed, contrary to the opinion of the colonies, that she 
had a right to change their governments, although established by royal 
charters. She rhaintained that she could, at her pleasure, regulate 
and restrict thejr commerce ; and to this opinion the 
colonies did not in general object ; but, in particular 
cases, they believed she carried this power to an oppres¬ 
sive extent. Finally, she claimed a right to collect 
from the provinces, a revenue, either by external du¬ 
ties imposed for the regulation of trade, or by internal taxes, imposts 
on articles to be consumed by the colonists. It was the subject of in¬ 
ternal taxation, on which the most decided opposition of opinions pre¬ 
vailed. The Americans did not dispute the right of the British, in 
respect to external taxes, except when carried to a vexatious extent, as 
in the case of the law, called the Sugar Act; but the subject of inter¬ 
nal taxes, having been deeply considered, they deliberately determined 
not to submit to their imposition in any manner, or by any assembly, 
except by one composed of their own representatives. 

England is jea- already seen in how many instances, the 

lous of tlie colo- British, acting consistently with these views, had attempt- 

—^- ed what the colonies considered encroachments upon 

their rights; and that they had reluctantly submitted, evaded, or resisted, 
as the circumstances of the occasion, or the apprehended importance 
of the contested right, seemed to require. In many instances, they had 
opposed the governors sent over by the crown; and those, by their 
complaints, had made the English government suppose that their 
American colonies were, by degrees, shaking off* the authority of the 
crown, and tending to a state of independence ; to prevent which, mea¬ 
sures must be taken to humble and subjugate them. 

Such was the state of affairs at the commencement of the late war, 
between England and France, in which the colonies had so deep an 




REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


143 


interest, and in which they bore so large a share. While pressed by 
a common enemy, these causes of dissension remained latent; but as 
soon as this war terminated, and while .yet the colonies were rejoicing 
in being delivered from a foe, who had so long instigated the savages 
to midnight murder, the government of England began to deliberate by 
what means they could best bend the stubborn provincials, to what they 
considered due subjection. This was not, however, the only motive 
of the British ministry, in the acts which ensued. The taxing of Ame 
expenses of the war had added more than three hundred rica proposed. 


millions of dollars to their national debt. To find means ' 

of defraying the annual charges of this debt, and the other increased 
expenditures, was now the difficult duty of the British government. 
Mr. Grenville, the minister, proposed, among other expedients, that of 
taxing America; alleging that the money to be raised was to defray 
the expenses incurred in her defence. This project, thus made public, 
was pursued, as will be seen, through a series of measures, to its con- 
summation; and though its declared object was to raise an inconside¬ 
rable sum pf money, yet that its real, prevailing motive was, to humble 
and subjugate the colonies, is clearly to be seen, in the consequence 
attached to the measure in parliament, and in America; in the man¬ 
ner in which it was vindicated and opposed ; and finally, by other mea¬ 
sures of the same tendency, which were simultaneously pursued by the 
British government. 

As early as 1760, the mutual jealousies between the 
colonies and the mother country appeared in Massachu¬ 
setts, on the occasion of an attempt to enforce the act, by 
which duties were laid on foreign sugar and molasses, 

which, having been considered oppressive, had been -- 

evaded. The custom-house officers were directed, in case of suppo¬ 
sing these articles to be concealed, to apply to the superior court of the 
colony for what were termed, “ writs of assistance,” which appear to 
have been a kind of general search warrant. Any petty custom-house 
officer, armed with one of these, might, on pretence of searching for 
these articles, invade, at his pleasure, the family retirement of any gen¬ 
tleman in the province. Besides this apprehended grievance, the trade 
of the colonists would suffer severely from the rigid collection of these 
duties. The people of Boston, therefore, determined to oppose the 
granting of writs of assistance, and employed two of their oppositioA to 
most eminent lawyers, Oxenbridge Thatcher and James writs of assist- 

Otis, for this purpose. The latter of these gentlemen -^- 

defended the cause of American rights with such impetuosity of elo¬ 
quence, that one^who heard him, John Adams, afterwards himself so 
highly distinguished, said, “ Otis was a flame of fire !—Every man of 
an inmiense crowded audience, went away ready to take arms against 


Retrospective. 

1760. 

Difficulty in en¬ 
forcing the sugar 
act. 





144 


HISTORY OF THE 


writs of assistance. Then and there was the first scene of opposition 
to the arbitrary claims of Great Britain; then and there American In¬ 
dependence was born.” 

The court took time to deliberate on the question of granting the 
writ; and, after various delays, and an unsuccessful attempt to move the 
officers of the English government not to press the subject, the writs 
were, at length, under certain restrictions, granted ; but such was their 
unpopularity, that they were little used. These circumstances are, 
however, material in history, as they show the spirit of the times. It 
will be recollected that this scene was acted, before the attempts of the 
British ministry in parliament, to introduce into America a regular sys¬ 
tem of taxation, to which, as has been remarked, the revolution has 
often been solely referred. 

In 1702, plans for changing the American govern¬ 
ments were on foot, and Lord Bute employed gentlemen 
to travel the country, for the purpose of making the ne¬ 
cessary previous observations. This much dreaded mea¬ 
sure, as the colonists learned, by intercepted letters, had 
' been recommended by Sir Francis Bernard, who, in 

1760, arrived in Massachusetts, ks the royal governor. Bernard, in 
his letters, avowed the opinion that parliament had full power to alter 
the colonial governments, and to change their respective boundaries, 
notwithstanding the royal charters. He recommended the establish¬ 
ment of a hereditary nobility, and asserted the right of parliament to 
tax the colonies, but suggested the expediency of admitting to the Bri¬ 
tish parliament representatives from America. The publication of 
these letters gave great alarm to the colonies, and was one cause of the 
opposition of Massachusetts to this man, who it was seen had thus, acted 
the part of deadly hostility to their vital interests. 

1764 1764,* Lord Grenville gave notice to the American 

Stamp duty pro- agents ill London, that it was his intention to draw a re¬ 
made’p^rp?tual! colonies, and that he should, in the ensu- 

-- ing session of parliament, propose a duty on stamps. 


1762 . 

Change in the 
government of 
the colonies con¬ 
templated by 
England. 


* The same year a general treaty of peace was concluded with the Indians around the 
upper lakes. Soon after the treaty of Paris, disturbances were made by these Indians, who 
attempted to possess themselves of the places whicli liad been fortified by the French. De¬ 
troit sustained, for twelve months, a most distressing siege, from a combination of several 
tribes’, who united under Pontiac, an Ottawa chief, to destroy the place. By a deeply con¬ 
certed stratagem, this bold and courageous warrior attempted to accomplish his object; but 
his plans were fortunately discovered, and the garrisrfn saved. During the siege, several 
skirmishes were fought between the army of Pontiac and the besieged; in all of which this 
chief displayed great military skill. A reinforcement of 3,000 men, under Gen. Bradstreet, 
arriving to the relief of Maj. Gladwyn, the siege was relinquished, ai»i soon after, the treaty 
of peace with the Indians was concluded. This article is inserted in a note, that the con* 
aexion of the events leading to the revolution, may remain unbroken. 




REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


HS 


He wished them to communicate with their constituents, and learn 
whether any other duties, equally productive, and more agreeable to 
the colonies, might be substituted. Soon after, resolutions were passed 
in the house of commons ; continuing, and making perpetual, the odious 
duties on sugar, and molasses,* and some other articles imported into 
the colonies. 

The colonial agents in London, informed their respective colonies 
of the intended system of taxation. A great alarm was excited. Mas¬ 
sachusetts instructed her agents to deny the right of These measures 
parliament to impose taxes upon those who were not re- the colo- 

presented in the house of commons. The house of bur- --- 

gesses in Virginia, appointed a committee to prepare an address to the 
king and parliament; expressing their sense of the destructive conse¬ 
quences of such a measure. The assembly of New-York, also sent 
her petitions ; which, in a spirit more bold and decided than those from 
any other colony, asserted her own rights, and the limitations of British 
power. Associations- were formed in all the colonies to encourage 
home manufactures,' and prohibit, as much as possible, the use of Bri¬ 
tish goods. The tendency of this judicious measure was to make the 
colonists less dependent; and, by operating injuriously on the British 
merchants, to make them a party against the ministry. 

In the mean time, the British government were aware that they had 
to deal with a spirited people ; yet they closed their eyes to the full evi¬ 
dence of the stern independence of the American character. Sir Ro¬ 
bert Walpole, in the reign of George II. had understood it better; when, 
in reply to those who advised him to raise a revenue, by taxing Ame¬ 
rica, he said, “ he left that to those who should come after him—who 
had more courage than himself;” and Mr. Pitt also, when, according 
to his own expression, he did not choose “ to burn his fingers with an 
American tax.” 

Notwithstanding the opposition, which, in truth, was 
not unexpected, in 1765, Lord Grenville, pursuant to stampAct. 

his declared intention, introduced into the British par- -- 

liament, his project for taxing America, to commence with duties on 
stamps. In the house of commons, the project, though ably supported, 
met with ardent and animated opposition. It was on this occasion, 
that Col. Barre made that unpremeditated effort of eloquence, which 
has made his name, to this day, appear to Americans, like that of a 

• 

* These duties had existed since 1733, but the colonists had resisted their execution with 
such spirit, that they could not be enforced. In one of Gov. Bernard’s letters, he observes, 
rather humourously, that an attempt to enforce the molasses act “ caused more alarm in 
Massachusetts, than the massacre at Fort William Henry.” 

19 


/ 




146 


HISTORY OF THE 


friend.* Yet neither the eloquence of Col. Barre, the petitions of the 
London merchants, nor the remonstrances of the colonies, could pre¬ 
vent the passage of the stamp act. Of three hundred, who voted in 
the house of commons, only fifty were against it; in the house of lords, 
there was not a single dissenting voice ; and the royal assent was rea¬ 
dily obtained. 

By this act, no written instrument could be legal, unless the paper 
was stamped on which it was drawn; and this stamped paper was to 
be purchased, at exorbitant prices, of the agents of the British govern¬ 
ment. The act farther provided that different prices should be given 
for the stamped paper, in some measure proportioned to the magnitude 
of the transaction for which it was needed. 

Provision was made for the recovery of penalties for 
nie^courts°ofad^^ breach of this act, as of all others relating to trade 
miraltyextended and revenue, in any admiralty, or king’s marine court, 
throughout the colonies. These courts, contrary to the 
usage of similar tribunals in England, proceeded in trials, without the 
intervention of a jury. The acts of which they took cognizance, were 
so extremely unpopular, that it would have been difficult to procure 
convictions, if the people themselves had been judges of the facts. 
This act, both in regard to the suspension of what the colonists re¬ 
garded as one of the most important of their rights, that of trial by jury, 
and also in regard to that extension of jurisdiction, by which they were 
liable to be called to trial, for real or supposed offences, to distant pro¬ 
vinces, was, next to that for direct taxation, the most obnoxious to the 
colonies of any aggression of the British government. 

Act for quarter- Anticipating opposition to these measures, parliament 
America°^^ passed laws for sending troops to America, and obliging 
- the inhabitants of those colonies, in which they were sta¬ 
tioned, to furnish them with quarters, and all necessary supplies. 

The stamp act was to take effect on the first day of November. The 
night after its passage. Dr. Franklin, then in London, as agent for 
Pennsylvania, wrote to his friend Charles Thompson, “ The sun of 
liberty is set; you must light up the candles of industry and economy.” 
“ Be assured,” said Mr. Thompson, in reply, “ we shall light up torches 
of quite another sort.” 

Oppositionmade On the arrival of the stamp act, the smothered feelings 
act in%irg1nia Colonists broke forth into one general burst of in- 

and the other dignation. The house of burgesses in Virginia were at 

- that time in session. It was here that the first public 

opposition was made to the odious act; and the man, by^whom the 
resolutions, which constituted this opposition, were introduced, was the 


See AppdHdix K 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


147 


eloquent and ardent Patrick Henry, then a young lawyer, and a mem¬ 
ber of the house. Of his five celebrated resolutions, the first four 
asserted the rights and privileges claimed by the colonists; the last 
declared they were not bound to yield obedience to any law, imposing 
taxes upon them, excepting such as were passed by the general assem¬ 
bly of the colony. These resolutions, more especially the last, were 
warmly opposed by the house of burgesses ; but the bold and irresisti- 
ble eloquence of Henry finally prevailed, and they were passed by a 
majority of a single voice. In the heat of the debate, the conduct of 
the king was, for the first time in any public body in America, arraigned ; 
and Patrick Henry, in this, dared to do an act which might have cost him 
his life. He asserted that the king, in assenting to the act for taxing 
the colonies, had acted the part of a tyrant; and, alluding to the fate 
of other tyrants, he exclaimed, “ Caesar had his Brutus, Charles I. his 
Cromwell, and George HI.”—he was interrupted by the cry of “ trea¬ 
son —pausing for a moment, he deliberately concluded—“ may profit 
by their example;—if this be treason, make the most of it.” The next 
day, the members were alarmed on considering the bold stand which 
they had taken ; and in the absence of Henry, the fifth resolution was 
rescinded ; but it had already with the others gone forth, and, although 
at first cautiously circulated, all were at length openly published, and 
produced the most violent feelings throughout the country. 

Before the proceedings in Virginia had become known Mass, proposes 
in Massachusetts, the general court of that colony had 
assembled, and adopted measures to produce a combined opposition to 
the oppressive measures of parliament. Letters were addressed to the 
assemblies of the other colonies, proposing that a congress, composed 
of deputies from each, should assemble to consult on their common in- 
terest. This proposition was not agreed to by all, and indeed it met, 
at first, a general opposition. Delegates were, however, elected from 
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New-York, New Jersey 
Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and South Carolina. 

On the first Tuesday in October, which was the day Oct. 
designated by Massachusetts, for the meeting of the con- 

gress, the delegates assembled at New-York. Their first -- 

measure was to draw up a declaration, in which they asserted that the 
colonists were entitled to all the rights and privilege of natural born 
subjects of Great Britain ; that the most essential of these were an ex¬ 
clusive right to tax themselves, and the privileges of trial by jury; and 
that the late acts of parliament, imposing taxes on the inhabitants, 
without their consent, and extending the jurisdiction of the courts of 
admiralty, had a manifest tendency to subvert these rights and liberties. 
The congress then prepared an address to the king, and petitions to 
both houses of parliament; all of which were designed and calculated 




148 


HISTORY OF THE 


against the 
stamp act, 


to procure a redress»of the grievances, of which they complained. 
The colonies, which were not represented in this congress, also for¬ 
warded to England, petitions, similar to those adopted by that body. 
Increase of approached on which the stamp act was to 

popular feeling take effect, the popular feeling against it increased ; nor 
can this be a matter of astonishment, when it is consi¬ 
dered that its tendency was, to oblige the colonies to 
submit, without a possibility of evasion, to what they considered a de¬ 
grading surrender of their rights. Had duties been laid on articles of 
convenience, or luxury, these might have been dispensed with ; but this 
law was so framed, that the evil intended as a penalty for disobedience, 
was no less than the suspension of the whole machinery of the social 
order, and the creation of a state of anarchy. Neither trade nor navi, 
gation could proceed; no contract could be legally made ; no process 
against an offender could be instituted; no apprentice could be indented; 
no student could receive a diploma; nor even could the estates of the 
dead be legally settled, until the stamp duty was paid. 

The object of the irritated Americans, was now to pre- 
vent"^its^ vent, as much as possible, the promulgation of the obnox- 

cffect. ious act; or, at any rate, to prevent its going into effect. 

For this purpose, measures were taken to make the situa¬ 
tion of all concerned in its execution so unpleasant, that no one might 
be found hardy enough to engage as an officer. In accomplishing this 
object, measures were sometimes taken, from the violence of popular 
feeling, which were disapproved by the more reflecting. At Boston, 
in the month of August, the populace, after burning the effigy of Mr. 
Oliver, the proposed distributor of stamps, assembled at his house, 
broke his windows, and destroyed his furniture. Mr. Oliver then for¬ 
mally pledged himself to have no concern in the execution of the ob¬ 
noxious statute. The houses of an officer of the court of admiralty, 
and of one of the custom-house officers, were entered, and their effects 
purloined. But the greatest damage was done in the mansion of lieu, 
tenant-governor Hutchinson, whose loss in furniture, plate, pictures, 
and money, was very considerable; and was a chief item in the claim 
which Great Britain afterwards made against Massachusetts, for remu¬ 
nerating those who suffered, in attempting to enforce this act of its 
legislature. In New Haven, Mr. Ingersol was treated much in the 
same manner as the proposed distributor of stamps in Boston, and, like 
him, was obliged to declare his resolution not to accept the office. 
Similar scenes were transacted in other places. 

The first of November, the day on which the stamp act was to take 
effect, was ushered in by the tolling of bells, as for a funeral proces- 
sion; and signs of mourning, and sorrow appeared in all the colonies. 
In New-York, the stamp act was hawked about with a death’s head 




REPUBLIC OF AMERICxY. 


149 


attached to it, under the title of the “ Folly of England and the ruin of 
America.”* The opposition to the law became general and systematic. 
The women, animated by the spirit of liberty, united with the men in 
their exertions to prevent the importation of British goods ; and cheer¬ 
fully relinquished every species of ornament, which was manufactured 
in England. The proceedings of the courts of justice were suspended, 
in order that no stamps might be used ; and those engaged in disputes, 
were earnestly and effectually exhorted by the leading men, to termi¬ 
nate them by reference. 

In the mean time, a change had taken place in the 

® ‘ Change m the 

British ministry; the authors of the stamp act had been British ministry. 

removed, and their places supplied by those who were 
supposed to be more favourable to the interests of the colonies. The 
marquis of Rockingham was made lord of the treasury, and the duke 
of Grafton and Gen. Conway, secretaries of state. They perceived 
that measures must be taken, either to repeal the obnoxious statute, or 
oblige the Americans to submit to it, by force of arms. In January, 
1766, the petitions of congress, and other papers relating 1766 
to the affairs of America, were laid before parliament, parliament de 
After their examination, a resolution was introduced by dares its right to 
Gen. Conway, declaring that parliament “ had full power „ies. 
to bind the colonies, and people of America, in all cases 
whatsoever.” The question of the right of parliament to tax America 
thus introduced, occasioned an animated debate in the house of com¬ 
mons, which closed by adopting the resolution of Gen. Conway. 

The ministry were now determined to procure a repeal of the stamp 
act, and an examination and inquiries upon this subject were com¬ 
menced. Among others, Dr. Franklin was examined before the house 
of commons. He gave it as his opinion, that the acts of parliament 
for taxing America, had alienated the affections of the people from the 
mother country, and that they would never submit to the stamp duty, 
unless compelled by force of arms. A resolution to repeal this act 
occasioned another warm debate. Lord Grenville and his stamp act oppo- 
adherents, in opposing the claims of the colonists, were 

’ ^ ‘ ° . ment. 

answered by Mr. Pitt; who, with all the eloquence for - 

* History can hardly maintain her gravity, in relating some of the acts, by which the 
enraged people manifested, at this time, their deep sense of injury, and their determination 
not tamely to submit to it. “ In Portsmouth, New Hampshire,” says Dr. Holmes, “ a coffin, 
neatly ornamented, and inscribed with “ LIBERTY, aged CXLV. years,” was prepared 
for the funeral procession, which began from the state house, attended with two unbraced 
drums. Minute guns were fired until the corpse arrived at the grave, when an oration 
was pronounced, in honour of the deceased. Scarcely was the oration concluded, when, 
some remains of life having been discovered, the corpse was taken up. The inscription on 
the lid of the coffin was changed to LIBERTY REVIVED! The bells suddenly struck a 
cheerful sound; and joy again appeared in every countenance.” 





150 


HISTORY OF THE 


which he was conspicuous, maintained that taxation was no part of tho 
governing or legislative power which parliament had a right to exert 
over the colonies ; and concluded with a motion, “ that the stamp act 
be repealed, totally, absolutely, and immediately.” 

Stamp act re repeal, at length passed the commons, 

pealed, and de- and was sent to the house of lords, where, after much 
opposition, it was approved. The cause of the colonies 
was here ably advocated by Lord Camden.* On the 
18th of March, this bill’, as well as that declaring the power of parlia¬ 
ment to bind the people of America, received the sanction of the king. 

The news of the repeal of the stamp act occasioned the most sincere 
joy throughout the colonies. But while a principle was acknowledged 
by parliament upon which any future ministry, with the sanction of 
parliamentary authority, might oppress them, the colonists continued to 
watch the British government with a jealous eye. This spirit of jea¬ 
lousy soon manifested itself in the northern colonies. Gen. Conway 
recommended to these colonies to make compensation to those who had 
Opposition to the Suffered in attempting to enforce the stamp act. Gov. 

measures of par- Bernard laid this recommendation before the assembly 
liament. .... . '' 

- of'Massachusetts, as a requisition with which they must 

of necessity comply. With this they were offended, as it disabled 
them, they said, from voluntarily granting to the king such favours as 
he requested. At first they refused to make any compensation to the 
sufferers, but they finally consented, though in a manner highly dis¬ 
pleasing to the British government; the same act which made the 
appropriation for the damage, expressing a pardon to those by whom 
it was done. It has been mentioned, that at the same time with the 
passage of the stamp act, another was passed, requiring each colony to 
furnish supplies, at its own expense, for such British troops as should 
be quartered within its limits. The assembly of New-York, consider¬ 
ing such a requisition as an indirect mode of taxing the colonies, re¬ 
fused obedience. The same opposition was also made to this act in 
New Jersey and Massachusetts. 

, In July 1766, another change took place in the Bri- 
Change in the ... ^ 

British ministry, tish ministry, and a cabinet was formed under the direc- 
tion of Mr. Pitt, now earl of Chatham. The proceed¬ 
ings of the Americans had given great offence to the British govern¬ 
ment, and were condemned by many who had heretofore espoused their 
I cause. 


« “ My position,” said he, “ is this; I repeat it, I will maintain it to my last hour—tax¬ 
ation and representation are inseparable. This position is founded on the laws of nature ; 
it is more—it is itself an eternal law of nature: for whatever is a man’s own is absolutely 
his own ; no man has a right to take it from him without his consent. Whoever attempts to 
do it, attempts an injury; whoever does it, commits a robbery.” 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


151 


1768 . 

Mass, requests 
the co-operation 
of the other colo¬ 
nies. 


In May, 1767, Charles Townshend, then chancellor 
of the exchequer, influenced by Lord Grenville, brought parUament’ im 
into parliament a second plan for taxing America, by poses new taxes, 
imposing duties on all .tea, glass, paper, and painters’ “ 

colours, which should be imported into the colonies. This bill’ passed 
both houses of parliament without much opposition. During the same 
session, two other acts were passed, relating to America ; one suspend¬ 
ing the authority of the assembly of New-York, until they should com¬ 
ply with the act for quartering troops; and the other, appointing the 
officers of the navy, as custom-house officers, to enforce the acts of. 
trade and navigation. 

These three acts, following each other in quick succession, 
caused, throughout America, a revival of the same feelings which 
the passage of the stamp act had produced. In January, 1768, the 
assembly of Massachusetts prepared a petition to the 
king, and sent letters to those persons in Great Britain 
who had been^most active in defending the cause of 
America, again asserting what they considered their 
rights, and claiming deliverance from those unjust and 
oppressive taxes, which had been imposed by the recent acts of parlia¬ 
ment. They also addressed circulars to the other colonial assemblies, 
entreating their co-operation, in order to obtain the redress of their 
grievances. The British ministry viewed this measure as an attempt 
to convene another congress; and, as they had always dreaded the ef¬ 
fects of colonial union, independent of the crown, they instructed 
Gov. Bernard, to require the assembly to rescind the vote by which 
circulars were sent to the other colonies ; and, in case of their refusal, 
to dissolve them. At the same time, they addressed letters to the other 
colonial governors, in order to prevent, if possible, their compliance 
with the request of Massachusetts. In the assembly of that province, 
ninety-two, out of one hundred and nine representatives. The assembly of 
refused to rescind the vote, or disapprove of their former ^ 

proceedings, and the governor, in consequence, dissolved - 

the assembly. The measures pursued at this time, by the British go¬ 
vernment, with the intention of intimidating and dividing the colonies, 
did but exasperate and arouse them to a more united and determined 
defence of their liberties. 





153 


HISTORY OF THE 


SECTION II. 


Non-importa¬ 
tion agreements. 


Gov. of Mass, 
refuses to cal) 
an assembly. 


The dissatisfaction of the people of Massachusetts was increased 
by the attempts made by the new custom-house officers, to execute the 
duties of their office. In June, they seized a sloop, be- 
sloop seized. longing to John Hancock, an eminent merchant, and 
~ distinguished patriot of Boston. This occasioned a riot, 
in which the officers were insulted and beaten by the populace, and, at 
last compelled to leave the town. 

During the summer, non-importation agreements were 
again proposed, with regard to the articles on which du¬ 
ties had been laid; which were extensively adopted by 
the colonies. 

The assembly of Massachusetts had not convened, 
since its dissolution by Gov. Bernard. A report was 
circulated, that troops were ordered to march into Bos¬ 
ton ; and in consequence of the alarm which it excited, a town meeting 
was called, and the governor earnestly entreated to convoke the assem¬ 
bly. His reply to this request was “ that he could not call another as¬ 
sembly this year without further commands from the king.” A con¬ 
vention was then proposed, and accordingly held, on the 22d of Sep¬ 
tember, composed of members from the several towns in the province, 
to consult on measures proper to be adopted in the present exigency. 

The convention disclaimed all legislative authority ; they 
A?on^e*nf^* is Petitioned the g^^vernor, declaring their pacific intentions, 
held at Boston, and requesting that an assembly might be called ; but he 
refused ; stigmatizing them with the apjTellation of rebels. 
After transmitting to the king an account of their proceedings, and ex¬ 
pressing their loyalty, they dissolved, after a session of five days. 

In consequence of the perpetual disagreements which arose between 
^ the custom-house officers and the people of Boston, and the unyielding 
spirit displayed by the latter, the king gave orders to Gen. Gage, the 
commander-in-chief of the troops in the colonies, to station a force in 
the town to overawe the citizens, and protect the officers in the dis¬ 
charge of their duty. Two regiments were accordingly ordered from 
Halifax, and escorted by seven armed vessels, they arrived at Bos¬ 
ton on the 28th of September. The fleet took a station 

• • which commanded the town, and the troops having 

Troops are sta- , , , , , . ^ ® 

tioned at Boston, landed under the cover of their guns, marched into Bos- 

^ ton without any resistance on the part of the inhabitants, 
^The select men of the town refusing to provide them with quarters, the 
governor commanded the state house to be opened for their reception. 
The presence of the soldiers, had great influence in restraining outward 







REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


153 


acts of violence, yet this offensive measure greatly increased the hos¬ 
tile feelings of the people. 

The late proceedings in Massachusetts were declared by parliament 
to be “ illegal, unconstitutional, and derogatory to the rights of the 
crown and parliament.” Early in 1709, the news of the . 
steps which were consequently taken, reached the colo- sures of parlia- 
nies. Both houses, in a joint address to the king, had 
recommended vigorous measures, in order to enforce their obedience 
and had even gone so far as to beseech him to direct the governor of 
Massachusetts Bay, to make strict inquiries, as to all treasons commit¬ 
ted in that province since the year 1707 ; in order that the persons most 
active in committing them, might be sent to England for trial. 

The time for again convening the legislature of Mas- 
sachusetts, had not arrived, when the news of this ad- • 

dress reached America: but the house of burgesses in Virginia. ^ 


Virginia, which met a few days afterwards, was not -- 

tardy in expressing their sense of it. They [lassed several spirited re¬ 
solutions, declaring their exclusive right to tax themselves, and denying 
the right of the king to remove an offender out of the colony for trial. 
An address to his majesty was also agreed on ; which stated, in a style 
of loyalty and real attachment tg the crown, the deep conviction of the 
house of burgesses of Virginia, that the complaints of the colonists were 
well founded. When the intelligence of these proceedings reached the 
governor, he suddenly dissolved the assembly. But the current of 
opposition was too strong to be stayed. The members assembled at a 
private house; elected their speaker, Peyton Randolph, Esq. moderator; 
and proceeded to pass resolutions against importing British goods. 
This example was followed by other colonies ; and non-importation 
agreements, which had before been entered into by Boston, Salem, the 
city of New-York, and the colony of Connecticut, now became general. 

In May, the assembly of Massachusetts convened. . ,, . 

, Assembly of 

They refused to proceed with business while the state Mass, convenes, 

, j 1 1 1 r 'X'l is adjourned 

house was surrounded by an armed force. Ihe gover- to Cambridge, 
nor refused to remove it, but adjourned them to Cam- 
bridge. Here they expressed, in the most decided manner, their belief 
that the establishment of a standing army in the colony in time of peace 
was an invasion of the natural rights of the people. They refused to 
make any of the appropriations of money which the governor proposed, 
and he again prorogued them. In August, Gov. Bernard was recalled, 
and the government left in the hands of lieutenant governor Hutchinson. 

On the 5th of March, 1770, some of the inhabitants of 1770 
Boston insulted the military, while under arms ; and an March 5. 
affray took place, in which four persons were killed. Affray with the 

, • 1 i' British troops. 

The bells w'ere instantly rung; tlie peqile rushed from ---- 

20 






154 


HISTORY OF THE 


1772. 


the country to the aid of the citizens; and the soldiers were obliged to 
retire to Castle William, in order to avoid the fury of the enraged mul¬ 
titude. A trial was instituted : the soldiers engaged in the affray were 
all acquitted, except two, who were found guilty of manslaughter. The 
moderation of the jury, and the ability with which the soldiers were de¬ 
fended by two of the leading opposers of British aggression, John 
Adams and Josiah Quincy, were honourable to the individuals, and to 
their country. This event, however, increased the detestation in which 
the soldiers, stationed among the people, were held. 

In January the parliament of Great Britain assembled, and Lord 
North was appointed first lord of the treasury, in the place of the duke 
' . , of Grafton, who had resigned. A bill introduced by 

Duties removed, . , 

except on teas. Lord North, passed on the 12th of April, removing the 

duties which had been laid in 1767, excepting those on 
tea. But, as had been predicted by those who opposed this partial 
removal, the people of America were not satisfied, while parliament 
claimed the right of taxing the colonies. 

So severely was the exercise of the unjust authority 
of parliament felt by Massachusetts, that, at length, in 
hel^n^MasT.^^ 1772, meetings were held in the towns throughout the 
■ ■ province, where committees were appointed to maintain 

a correspondence with each other. These meetings, the nurseries of 
independence, were censured by Great Britain as being the hot-beds 
of treason and rebellion. 

In Rhode Island, a daring resistance was made against 
the encroachments of Great Britain in the destruction of 
' the Gaspee, an armed schooner which had been stationed 

in that colony, for the purpose of enforcing the acts of trade. 

As Massachusetts appeared to have felt more directly than the other 
colonies, the oppressive measures of parliament, so she had of late been 
more bold and determined in her opposition. Yet, throughout America, 
a si^irit prevailed among the leading patriots, which would have led 
them all to support that colony, in which any infringement on their 
common rights should be made. In accoixlance with a resolution passed 
1773 house of burgesses in Virginia, in 1773, a corres- 

A correspond- pondence was now maintained between the colonies, on 
the important subject of their rights, which had a happy 
influence in harmonizing their measures. 

The effects of the non-importation agreements which 
had been made in the colonies, and which had been ri¬ 
gidly observed, in respect to the article of lea, now began 
to effect the commercial interests of Great Britain; and, by an act of 
parliament, in 1773, the East India company was allowed to export 
its teas free of all duties in England; being thus enabled to reduce 


Schr. Gaspee de¬ 
stroyed in R. I. 


ence is establish 
ed between the 
colonies. 

Attempts to ex¬ 
port lea to the 
colonies. 







REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


155 


the price of the article in the colonies. Tea was accordingly shipped in 
large quantities to different ports of America. It was obvious to the 
colonists, that if the tea should be landed, the duty must be paid, and 
that if it should once be received on shore, it would be extremely dif¬ 
ficult to hinder its sale. 

Resolutions were therefore extensively adopted, that the tea should 
not be landed, but sent back to England in the same vessels in which 
it had been brought out. , At Philadelphia the pilots were enjoined not 
to conduct the ships into the river. At New-York the governor or¬ 
dered some of the tea to be landed, under the protection of a man of 
war, but he was obliged to deliver it into the custody of the people who 
took care that none of it should be sold. 

The people of Boston found great difficulty in adhering to their de- 
termination, that the cargoes of the three ships destined for that port, 
should not be landed. They forced those to whom the tea had been 
consigned, (most of whom were the friends of the governor,) to give up 
their appointments. The captains of the vessels, alarmed at the me¬ 
naces of the people, offered to return with their cargoes ; but the mer¬ 
chants to whom they had been consigned, the collector, and the governor 
refused to grant the necessary discharges, and the ships were obliged 
to remain in the harbour. The people, however, apprehensive that the 
obnoxious commodity would be landed in small quantities, if the vessels 
should continue in the neighbourhood of the town, resolved to destroy 
it at once. For this purpose, several disguised them¬ 
selves as Indians, boarded the ships during the night, and thrown 

’ _ ^ ° . overboard at 

threw their cargoes into the water, without making any Boston. 

further disturbance. No fewer than three hundred and 

forty-two chests were thus broken open, and their contents emptied into 

the sea. 

When the news of these transactions reached the parliament of Eng¬ 
land, they resolved “ to make such provisions as should secure the just 
dependence of the colonies, and a due obedience to the laws, through¬ 
out all the British dominions.” In order to punish the 1774 
inhabitants of Boston, in an exemplary manner, and Parliament 

oblige them to restore the value of the tea which had been the port of 
^ . boston, and 

destroyed, a bill was passed in March, 1774, “ interdict- otherwise dis¬ 
ing all commercial intercourse with the port of Boston, 

and prohibiting the landing and shipping of any goods at - 

that place,” until these ends should be accomplished. The chartered 
privileges of Massachusetts were invaded by an act, giving to the 
crown, a power previously residing in the court—that of appointing 
counsellors ; and also prohibiting the meetings in the towns, except for 
the purpose of electing officers. In order to secure the execution of 
laws, which they knew must be obnoxious, and which, it was appre. 




156 


HISTORY OF THE 


hended, would occasion riots, parliament provided that any person, in¬ 
dicted for murder, or any capital offence, committed in aiding the magis¬ 
tracy, might be sent to another colony, or to Great Britain, for trial. 
With a view still farther to limit the rights and liberties of the colonies, 
an act was passed, extending the province of Quebec to the river Ohio: 
and, in order more effectually to provide for its government, a legisla¬ 
tive council was formed, who were to be appointed by the crown, for di¬ 
recting the affairs of the province, except those relating to taxation. 
Trials without a jury were also to be permitted. 

General Gage was made governor of Massachusetts 
Gov. of Mas^^ place of Hutchinson, who had been removed from 

- his office, on a petition made by tbe people, in conse¬ 
quence of the exposure of letters which had been written by him, du¬ 
ring the years 1767 and 1768, to the leading men of Great Britain, which 
tended greatly to increase the prejudice of parliament against the colo¬ 
nies, and widen the breach which already existed between them. 

On the arrival of the port bill in Boston, a meeting of the inhabitants 
was held, who declared that the “ impolicy, injustice, and inhumanity 
of the act exceeded their powers of expression !” The assembly con- 
rened at this place, but was removed by the governor to Salem. It 
was here resolved, that the present state of the colonies made it neces¬ 
sary, that a congress, composed of delegates from all the colonies, should 
assemble, to take their affairs into the most serious consideration. 
Mass ro OSes nominated James Bowdoin, Thomas Cushing, Sa- 

a congress. muel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, men ce- 
lebrated for their talents and opposition to oppression, as 
the representatives to such a congress from Massachusetts ; and di¬ 
rected the speaker of the house, to inform the other colonies of their 
resolution. 

The governor, having learned their proceedings, sent an officer to 
dissolve the assembly, in the king’s name : but, being unable to obtain 
admittance, he was compelled to read the order of dissolution aloud on 
the staircase. The order was not obeyed, until the members had finished 
their most important business. 

Gov. Gage had anticipated that the advantages arising to the trade 
of Salem, from shutting up the port of Boston, would render the inha¬ 
bitants more favourable to the royal government; but the people of 
that town declared, “ that nature, in forming their harbour, had prevented 
their becoming rivals in trade ; and that, even if it were otherwise, 
4hey should regard themselves lost to every idea of justice, and all 
feelings of humanity, could they indulge one thought of seizing upon 
the wealth of their neighbours, or raising their fortunes upon the ruins 
of their countrymen.” 




REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


157 


The cause of Boston was espoused by all the colonies. . 

Ihe inhabitants were supplied by contributions from all boston is es- 
quarters. Even those, who by their station seemed u^e^colon'ies.^^^ 
likely to derive advantage from the cessation of their 
trade, were most forward to relieve them in their distress. Tlie, people 
of Marblehead, a town at no great distance, generously offered them 
the use of their harbour, their wharves, and warehouses, free of, all 
expense. 

The first of June, the day on which the port bill was to take effect, 
was observed, in Virginia, as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer, 
devoutedly to implore that God would avert the evils which threatened 
them, and “ give them one heart, and one mind, firmly to oppose, by 
all just and proper means, every injury to the American rights.” 


SECTION III, 


The resolution adopted by the assembly of Massachu- 1774. 

setts, with respect to a general congress, received the ^ continental 
^ ® . O' congress assem- 

approbation of the other colonies ; and on the 4th of Sep- bles at PUiladel- 

tember, 1774, the congress assembled at Philadelphia. 


In this body, the most august and important which had ever assembled 
upon the American shores, all the colonies, except Georgia, were re- 
presented,'^ and all parties, struck with the array of splendid talents and 
stern patriotism, which a view of the catalogue of its members presented, 
looked forward to the result of their deliberations with deep interest and 
great expectation; the people with hope, but the officers and depend¬ 
ents of the crown, with alarm and apprehension. 

' Their first measure was to choose, by a unanimous vote, Peyton Ran- 
dolp, Plsq. of Virginia, as president. They next determined, that, as 
they could not ascertain the relative importance of each colony, each 
should have one vote. They also determined that their deliberations 
should proceed with closed doors. They next chose a committee of two 
from each colony, to state the rights of the colonies in general, the se¬ 
veral instances in which these rights had been infringed, and the means 
of obtaining redress. They expressed their approbation 

of the conduct of the people of Massachusetts, exhorted They approve of 
. . , /- /- T . , , . . the conduct of 

them to persevere m the cause of freedom, with decision, Massachusetts. 

yet with temperance ; and voted the continuance of the 

ijontributions from all the colonies, for their relief. Being informed 


* See Appendix L. 





158 


HISTORY OF THE 


that Gen. Gage was erecting fortifications around Boston, and prohibit- 
the citizens from a free communication, they addressed a letter to 
that general, entreating him to desist from military operations; lest a 
difference, altogether irreconcilable, should arise between the colonies 
and the parent state. 

The committee chosen, next reported an important 
daration^flieir instrument, setting forth the rights of the colonies, in 
rights, and con- resolutions, which being accepted, was addressed 

obtaiTredrcss. to the people, and is commonly quoted by the title of the 
— : . t~~— » Bill of Rights.”* The last of these resolutions stated 
the result of the best wisdom of congress as to the means most likely 
to obtain the peaceable redress of grievances. First, to enter into a 
non-importation association. Second, to prepare an address to the peo- 
pie of Great Britain, and a memorial to the inhabitants of British Ame¬ 
rica. Third, to prepare a loyal address to his majesty. 

By the non-importation compact, they agreed and asso- 
ciated, for themselves and their constituents, “ under the 

-sacred ties of virtue, honour, and love of liberty,” not to 

import, or use any British goods, after the first of December, 1774, 
particularly the articles of tea and molasses. At the same time, they 
agreed to encourage agriculture, arts, and manufactures in America. 


Committees were to be appointed in every place, to see that this agree- 
ment was observed ; and those who violated it, were to be denounced as 
enemies to the rights of their country. 

It is worthy of remark, that these great men in the 
Resolution of pressure of their own particular difficulties, did not for- 
theSaveSr* get the cause of suffering humanity, but made, with the 

■- other resolutions, one by which they bound themselves 

not to be, in any way, concerned in the slave trade. 

Finally, they determined to continue this association, until the repeal 
of the obnoxious acts of parliament, concerning oppressive duties; of 
the laws, restricting their rights respecting trial by jury ; of the acts, 
oppressing the people of Massachusetts ; and of that for extending the 
limits of the province of Quebec. 

In the several addresses, which, conformably to their resolutions, 
were drawn up and promulgated, congress fully met the high expecta- 
tions which were entertained of that august body ; of whom Lord 
Chatham declared, “ that, though he had studied and admired the free 
states of antiquity, the master spirits of the world, )^et, for solidity of 
reasoning, force of sagacity, and wisdom of conclusion, no body of 
men could stand in preference to this congress.” . The addresses 
were couched in terms, which, though strongly calculated to awaken 


See Appendix M. 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


I 


159 


the sympathy, were, at the same time, powerful to convince the reason. * 
They were not the whining complaints of beaten children, who murmur 
and submit; but the firm remonstrance of injured and indignant men 
willing to ask for their rights, but determined to have them. 

The petition to the king entreated him, in language the 
most respeetful and affectionate, to restore their violated 

rights. Their grievances, they said, were the more in- -— 

tolerable, as they were born heirs of freedom, and had enjoyed it under 
the auspices of his royal ancestors. “ The apprehension,” say they, 

“ of being degraded into a state of servitude from the pre-eminent rank 
of English freemen, while our minds retain the strongest love of liberty, 
and clearly foresee the miseries preparing for us and our posterity, ex¬ 
cites emotions in our breasts which we cannot describe.” They express 
a hope, that the royal indignation will fall on those designing and dan¬ 
gerous men, who, by their misrepresentations of his American subjects^ 
had, at length, compelled them, by the force of accumulated injuries, 
too severe to be longer borne, thus to disturb his majesty’s repose.’ a 
conduct, extorted from those, who would much more willingly bleed in 
his service. “ We ask,” say they, “ for peace, liberty, and safety. 
We wish not a diminution of the royal prerogative, nor do we solicit 
the grant of any new right in our favour.” The petition concludes 
with an earnest prayer, that his majesty, as the father of his whole 
people, would not permit the ties of blood, of law, and loyalty to be 
broken, “ in uncertain expectation of effects, that if obtained, never can 
compensate for the calamities, through which they must be gained.”* 

In their address to the people of England, they claim address 

the rights of fellow subjects. “ Be not surprised,” they the people of 

England. 


say, “ that we, whose forefathers participated in the rights, 
the liberties, and the constitution, of which you so justly boast, and 
have carefully conveyed the same fair inheritance to us, guaranteed by 
the plighted faith (of government and the most solemn compact with 
British sovereigns, should refuse to surrender them to men, who found 
their claims on no principles of reason, and who prosecute them with a 
design, that, by having their lives and property in their power, they may, 
with the greater facility, enslave you. Are not,” they'ask, “ the pro¬ 
prietors of the soil of Great Britain, lords of their own property ? Can 
it be taken from them without their consent ? Will they yield it to the 
arbitrary disposal of any man, or number of men, whatever? You 
«now they will not. Why, then, are the proprietors of America less 
ords of their property than you are of yours ? or why should they sub- 


* The committee, who brought in this address, were Mr. Lee, Mr. John Adams, Mr. 
Johnston, Mr. Heitry, and Mr. Rutleage. The original composition has been generally at¬ 
tributed to Mr. Lee. 




160 


• HISTORY OF THE 


mit it to the disposal of your parliament, or council, or any other par¬ 
liament in the world, not of their own election ? Can the intervention 
of the sea that divides us, cause disparity of rights ? or can any reason 
be given, why English subjects, who live three thousand miles from the 
royal palace, should enjoy less liberty than those who are three hundred 
miles from it ?* 


Prepare a me¬ 


in the memorial to their constituents, they presented 


morial to their accoulit of the oppressive measures of parliament 
constituents. ^ ^ .,111 

-:-- since 1763. They applauded the spirit which they had 


The proceedings 
of congress are 
approved. 


Whigs and 
Tories. 


shown in defence of their rights, and encourage them to persevere, and 
be prepared for all contingencies ; hinting that those might occur which 
would put their constancy severely to the test. The congress rose on 
the 6th of October 

Although their powers were merely advisory, yet their 
decisions received the approbation of the colonial assem¬ 
blies, and carried with them all the force of laws. 

Complete unanimity, however, did not exist. Some of 
the late emigrants, on whom England had bestowed 
- offices, and many who feared her power, clung to her au¬ 
thority, and declared themselves her adherents. Whigs and Tories, 
were the distinguishing names of the parties. The former favoured 
the cause of the colonists ; the latter, that of Great Britain. 

In the meantime, the magazines of gunpowder and other military 
stores, at Charlestown and Cambridge, were seized, by order of Gen. 
Gage, who continued the fortifications on Boston Neck. 

An assembly was called in Massachusetts ; but its sit¬ 
tings were immediately countermanded by the governor. 
The representatives then met at Salem ; and after wait¬ 
ing a day for the arrival of the governor, they resolved 
themselves into a “ provincial congress,” and adjourned 
to Concord. John Hancock was chosen president. The 
governor warned them to desist' from such illegal proceedings; but, 
paying no regard to his injunction, they resolved that, for the defence 
of the province, a number of the inhabitants should be enlisted, to stand 
ready to march at a minute’s warning. They elected three general 
officers, to command these minute-men and the militia, provided they 
should be called to action—appointed a committee of supplies, and a 
committee of safety, to sit during their recess. Meeting again in No¬ 
vember, they resolved that one fourth of the militia should act as 
minute-men, with the addition of two general officers ; and sent persons 


Oct. 

I’he assembly 
of Mass, resolve 
themselves into 
a provincial con¬ 
gress, and pre¬ 
pare for war. 


* The committee who prepared this address, were Mr. Lee, Mr. Livingston, and Mr. Jay, 
who also prepared the memorial to their constituents. The composition has generally been 
attributed to Mr. Jay. ' 






>■ ’ 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


161 


to inform New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, of their 
measures, and request their co-operation, in order to raise an army of 
20,000 men, to act in any emergency. 

The same spirit was manifest in the southern colonies. The southern co- 
particularly in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland, adopt si- 

Conventions were held, and resolutions passed, designed 
to animate the people of Massachusetts, who were exposed to more 
immediate danger. 

On the 20th of November, the British parliament con¬ 
vened. The king, in his speech, informed the members, parliaiS"'‘^ 

that a most daring resistance to the laws, still prevailed - 

in Massachusetts, which was encouraged by unlawful combinations in 
the other colonies; and, finally, he expressed his firm determination 
to withstand any attempt to weaken or impair the royal authority ; and 
in these sentiments, the two houses expressed, in their answer, a de¬ 
cided concurrence. Perceiving, from these expressions, the temper 
of the British government, Mr. Quincy, who had been sent over as ge¬ 
neral agent for the colonies, wrote to Dr. Reed, in Philadelphia, warn¬ 
ing him not to entertain the idea that their commercial plans would be 
the engines of their freedom; and telling him that he wrote with the 
feelings of one who believes that his countrymen must yet seal their 
faith and constancy to their liberties with blood.” 

When the British ministry, after considerable delay, at length brought 
the American papers before parliament. Lord Chatham, with all the 
energies of his gigantic mind, took the field of debate, in favour of 
America.* But such were the prejudices then existing, that notwith¬ 
standing the force of his arguments, and the weight of his name, a plan, 
which he brought before parliament, for conciliatory measures, was 

* “ The way,” lie said, “ must be immediately opened for reconciliation. It will soon 
be too late. His majesty may indeed wear his crown ; but, the American jewel out of it, 
it will not be worth the wearing. They say, you have no right to tax them, without their 
consent.—They say truly. Representation and taxation must go together—they are insepa¬ 
rable. Yet there is scarcely a man in our streets, though so poor as scarcely to be able to 
get his daily bread, but thinks he is the legislator of America. * Our American subjects,’ is 
a common phrase in the mouths of the lowest orders of our citizens: but property, my lords, 
is the sole and entire dominion of the owner : it excludes all the world besides the owner. 
None can intermeddle with it. It is an unity—a mathematical point. It is an atom ; untan¬ 
gible by any but the proprietor. Touch it, and the owner loses his whole property. The 
touch contaminates the whole mass, the whole property vanishes. This wise people speak 
out. They do not hold the language of slaves; they tell you what they mean. They do not 
ask you to repeal your laws,.as a favour; they claim it as a right—they demand it. They 
tell you, they will not submit to them; and I tell you, the acts must be repealed. Repeal, 
therefore, my lords, I say. But bare repeal will not satisfy this enlightened and spirited 
people. You must go through the work; you must declare you have no right to tax^then 
they may trust you—then they will have some confidence in you.” 

21 




162 


HISTORY OF THE 


1775 negatived by a large majority ; while the petitions from 

Conciliatory the merchants of London, and other commercial places, 
^d^^by^^Lo^rd° favour of America, were referred, not to the regular 
Chatham. Committee, but to one, called by the friends of the colo¬ 
nies, the committee of oblivion, whose meeting was referred 
to a distant day. Dr. Franklin, and the other colonial agents, were 
refused a hearing before the house, on the plea, that they were appointed 
Colonies refused illegal assembly; and thus was put to silence the 

a hearing in par- voice of three millions of people, yet in the attitude of 

-^- humble suppliants. Both houses of parliament concurred, 

by a large majority, in an address to the king, in which they declare, 
“ That the Americans had long wished to become independent; and 
only waited for ability and opportunity, to accomplish their design. 
To prevent this,” they said, “ and to crush the monster in its birth, was 
the duty of every Englishman; and that this must be done, at any price, 
and at every hazard.” In the course of the debates, the Americans 
were branded with the epithets of cowards and paltroons; and some, 
pretending to be well acquainted with their character, declared them 
“ incapable of military discipline, or exertion, and that a small force 
would reduce them to obedience.” 

On the 10th of February, a bill was passed, whose manifest tendency 
was to divide the colonies, by treating some with severity, and showing 
favour to others. 

c The colonies of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Ne\’^ 

lonies are re- Hampshire, and Rhode Island, were restricted in their 
tra^&fisheriS! trade to Great Britain, and its West India possessions, 

- and were also prohibited from fishing on the banks of 

Newfoundland. The same restrictions were soon after extended to all 
the colonies, excepting New-Yorkand Pennsylvania. It was expected 
tliat these prohibitions would prove particularly distressing to the inha¬ 
bitants of New England, as an idea prevailed, that, as they depended 
on the fisheries for their subsistence, they would, if deprived of them, 
be starved into obedience. 

While these measures were in progress, certain individuals in Eng- 
land, of high respectability, were endeavouring, in conjunction with 
Dr. Franklin, whose society, for this purpose, they courted, to fall upon 
some plan, to which both parties would agree, and thus prevent the con¬ 
test which now appeared to approach. But the result of these secret 
negotiations, shows clearly that so wide was the difference of opinion 
in England and America, respecting the rights and duties of the latter^ 
that a war was inevitable, as no plan of adjustment could be devised, 
to which both parties would agree. Yet, while parliament were en¬ 
gaged in augmenting the naval and military force from the avowed 
eause, that they were in a state of rebellion. Lord North brought in an 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


163 


artful and insidious bill, calculated to blind and divide , i ^ 

I r. A . TT . . . North’s 

the people ot America. He called it a conciliatory conciliatory pro- 
plan ; and, after considerable debate, it was adopted. byThlTcoSS?.^ 

Its purport was, that Great Britain should forbear to tax - 

the colonies, on their agreeing to tax themselves. The money raised, 
to be at the disposal of the British parliament. This plan, when brought 
before the colonial assemblies, and finally referred by them, to con¬ 
gress, was pronounced, not only insidious, but unreasonable and unsa¬ 
tisfactory ; for it was, in effect, to oblige themselves to give the thing, 
over which they claimed a right, to purchase the mere name of pos¬ 
sessing that right. 

In the mean time, affairs in America were tending to a crisis, which 
would preclude all hope of reconciliation. A second provincial con¬ 
gress had assembled in Massachusetts, had ordered military stores to 
be collected, and encouraged the militia and minute-men to perfect 
themselves in the use of arms. 

Gen. Gage had learned that a number of field pieces Cage attempts to 
were collected at Salem ; and, on the 26th of February, 

he despatched a party of soldiers, to take possession of - 

them, in the name of the king. The people of Salem assembled in 
great numbers, and, pulling up a drawbridge, over which it was neces¬ 
sary for the military to pass, before entering the town, prevented the 
accomplishment of their purpose. 

The next attempt of the same kind was followed by more interesting 
consequences. The provincials had deposited a large quantity of am¬ 
munition and stores at Concord, about twenty miles from Boston; these 
Gen. Gage resolved to seize, or destroy ; and, with that view, on the 
18th of April, he sent a detachment of 800 men, under the command 
of Col. Smith and Maj. Pitcairn, ordering them to proceed with the 
utmost expedition, and with all possible secrecy. 

Notwithstanding his care, and the alacrity of the sol- ^ j.jj jq 
diers, the provincials had notice of his design; and when Battil of Lex- 
the British troops arrived at Lexington, within five miles mgton; the com- 

^ , 7 inencement of 

of'Concord, the militia of the place were drawn up on war. 
the parade, and ready to receive them. The advanced 
body of the regulars approached within musket shot, when Maj. Pit¬ 
cairn, riding forward, exclaimed, “ Disperse, you rebels !—throw down 
your arms and disperse.” Not being instantly obeyed, he discharged 
his pistol, and ordered his’men to fire. They fired, and killed eight 
men. The militia dispersed, but the firing continued. The detach¬ 
ment then proceeded to Concord ; and destroyed, or took possession of 
the stores. Having effected their purpose, the British began to retire ; 
but the colonists, pressing upon them on all sides, they retreated to 
Lexington, where they met Lord Percy, with a reinforcement of 900 





164 


HISTORY OF THE 


men. In consequence of this, they quitted Lexington, and continued 
their march towards Boston, which they reached the day after, though 
not without frequent interruption, and very great difficulty. The Ame¬ 
ricans being better acquainted with the grounds, possessed a great ad¬ 
vantage over the British, which they improved to the utmost, in harass 
ing their retreat. From every place of concealment—a stone fence, 
a cluster of bushes, or a barn, the concealed provincials poured upon 
them a destructive fire. At sunset, the regulars, almost overcome with 
fatigue, passed Charlestown Neck, and found, on Bunker’s Hill, a rest¬ 
ing place for the night; and the next morning, under the protection of 
a man of war, they entered Boston. 

The affair of Lexington, where the first blood was spilled, has justly 
been considered as the commencement of the American war. In the 
retreat from that place, the British lost 273 killed, wounded, and miss¬ 
ing ; and the provincials, eighty-eight. 

The intelligence of the battle of Lexington spreading rapidly through 
the colonies, caused a deep sensation. Through all the country the 
20 000 Tt\ arms.” An army of 20.000 men soon col- 

collect near lected in the neighbourhood of Boston. Gen. Gage had, 

_ however, fortified the town so strongly, that, numerous as 

they were, the provincials durst not attempt it by assault. On the other 
hand, the governor was too weak to contend with them in the field. 

The possession of Ticonderoga and Crown Point, on which depended 
the command of lakes George and Champlain, was an object of essen¬ 
tial importance. Accordingly, some gentlemen of Con¬ 
necticut borrowed, on their individual credit, eighteen 
hundred dollars from the legislature of the colony, to en¬ 
able them to undertake the enterprise. As success de- 
pended on secrecy and despatch, they resolved not to 
Avait for the sanction of congress, confident that the number of men 
necessary for the expedition, might be raised among the hardy moun- 
tainers, iqhabiting the country that bordered the lakes. About forty 
volunteers set out from Connecticut, towards Bennington, where the 
authors of the expedition proposed meeting with Col. Ethan Allen ; and 
engaging him to head their enterprise. Col. Allen readily entered 
into their views, and met them with 230 Vermont volunteers, at Castle- 
ton. The next day, he was joined by Benedict Arnold, of Connecticut 
who, upon the first alarm, had repaired to Boston ; and having conceived 
the same project, had been authorized by the committee of safety in 
Massachusetts, to undertake it. 

They reached lake Champlain, opposite Ticonderoga, on the 9th ot 
May. Arnold and Allen embarked with the first body of troops, con- 
sisting of eighty-three men, landed at dawn of day, and completely 
surprised the fortress. The approach of a hostile force was so unex- 


May. 
Expedition 
against Crown 
Point andTicon- 
deroga. 




REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


165 


pected to De La Place, the commander, that he knew not from what 
quarter they were ; and, when summoned to' surrender, he demanded 
by what authority :—“ In the name of the great Jehovah and the Con- 
tinental Congress,” said Allen. De La Place, incapable Ticondcroga 
of making any resistance, delivered up the garrison, which surrenders to Al- 

consisted of only three officers and forty-four privates. - 

The remainder of the troops having landed. Col. Seth Warner 

Warner was despatched with a small party against takes possession 

Crown Point, of which he took possession, without oppo- -—- -- 

sition. Arnold, having manned and armed a small schooner, found in 
South Bay, captured a sloop of war, lying at the outlet of the lake. 
The pass of Skeensborough was seized at the same time, by a detach, 
ment of volunteers from Connecticut. 


Thus were obtained, without bloodshed, these important posts ; and 
the command of the lakes on which they stood, together with one hun¬ 
dred pieces of cannon, and other munitions of war. The successes 
with which this expedition was crowned, greatly tended to raise the 
confidence which the Americans felt in themselves. 


SECTION IV. 

The continental congress again assembled at Phi- 1775. 

ladephia, on the 10th of May, and Mr. Hancock was May. 

chosen president. Though the delegates were all ani- assS£s;^petU 
mated with a determined spirit of opposition to parliamen- 

tary taxation, it was the prevailing sentiment, in the --—. 

middle and southern colonies, that a reconciliation with England might 
still be effected. For this object it was determined to address, once 
more, a humble and dutiful petition to the king ; but, as no great con¬ 
fidence could be placed in its success, it was unanimously determined 
to put the country in a state of defence. Bills of credit to the amount 
of $3,000,000, were issued for defraying the expenses of the war; and 
the faith of the Tivelve United Colonies pledged for their redemption. 
They unanimously resolved not to export any provisions to those colo¬ 
nies which had not deputed members to congress. 

In April, Lord Dunmore, the governor of Virgiiiia, on 
plea of an insurrection in a neighbouring county, caused Dunmore forced 
some powder to be seized, by night, from the magazine \'o*^^^akrrT 
belonging to the colony, at Williamsburgh, and conveyed stitution for 
on board an armed schooner, then lying in James river. PQ^der. 





166 


HISTORY OF THE 


This act of the governor caused great excitement in the province, es¬ 
pecially, as, at their request, he refused to restore the powder. Patrick 
Henry immediately assembled an independent company, in the county 
in which he resided, and was marching towards the capital, to obtain 
it by force, when he was, met by a messenger from the governor, who 
paid him the full value of the powder. Henry and his party imme¬ 
diately returned to their homes. • Lord Dunmore, having fortified his 
palace, issued a proclamation, declaring them rebels, which highly 
offended the people, with whom this act of their favourite leader was 
particularly popular. Perceiving, however, that a spirit of revolt pre- 

' vailed, the governor became apprehensive of personal 

He abdicates bis , i i i i t t-i c 

government. danger, and retired on board the rowey, man ot war, 

: then lying at Yorktown, thus abdicating the government 

of the colony. 

In North Carolina, Governor Martin was obliged to take refuge on 
board a ship of war in Cape Fear river. 

South Carolina had always resisted parliamentary taxation, and the 
governor. Lord William Campbell, sought personal safety by retiring 
from the province. 

New-York contained many advocates for freedom; yet such was the 
affection of some for the royal cause, that they declined choosing dele¬ 
gates to Congress, in May, 1775; but the majority were actuated by 
different feelings. Accordingly, a convention was chosen for the sole 
purpose of electing members, who should represent that province in the 
grand council of the colonies. 

About the latter end of May, the British army in Bos- 
Britisb troops ton, receiving a powerful reinforcement from England, 
tonunder generals Howe, Clinton, and Burgoyne, martial 

---law was proclaimed, and pardon offered to all who would 

return to their allegiance, except Samuel Adams and John Hancock; 
but this, like every other measure designed to intimidate or divide, 
served only to unite the Americans in one common feeling of indigna¬ 
tion, and consequently increase their courage and activity. 

The movements of the British army excited an apprehension that 
Gen. Gage intended to penetrate into the country. It was therefore 
recommended by the provincial congress to the council of war, to take 
effectual measures to annoy them in their present situation. 

June 15. purpose a detachment of 1,000 men, under 

Americans forth Colonel Prescott, was ordered, on the night of the 16th 
L^rled-sHir”" of to tlirowup a breastwork on Bunker’s 

•—- Hill, near Charlestown. By some mistake, the troops 

entrenched themselves on Breed’s Hill, nearer to Boston. They pro- 
ceeded with such silence and activity, that by return of light they 
had nearly completed a strong redoubt, without being discovered. 





REPUBLIC OF AME^RICA. 


167 


At the dawn of the morning, however, the British, discovering the ad¬ 
vance of the Americans, commenced a severe cannonade from the 
ships in the river, but this not interrupting them, a body of about 3,000 
men, under generals Howe and Pigot, left Boston in boats, and landed 
under the protection of the shipping in Charlestown, at the extreme 
point of the peninsula, and advanced against the x\.mericans. Gene¬ 
rals Clinton and Burgoyne took their station on an eminence in Boston, 
commanding a distinct view of the hill. The spires of the churches, the 
roofs of the houses, and every height which commanded a view of the 
battle ground, were covered with spectators, taking deep j^me 17 
and opposite interests in the conflict. The Americans Battle of Bun- 

waited in silence the approach of their enemy, until they ^ - 

were within ten rods of the redoubt. Then taking a steady aim, and 
having advantage of the ground, they poured upon them a deadly fire. 
The British were thrown into confusion, and many of their officers 
were killed. They were twice repulsed, yet they again rallied and 
advanced towards the fortifications. The redoubt was attacked on 
three sides at once. The ammunition of the colonists began to fail. 
In this situation courage was no longer of any avail, and Col. Prescott, 
who commanded the redoubt, ordered a retreat. They were obliged 
to pass Charlestown Neck, where they were exposed to a galling fire 
from the ships in the harbour. 

During the engagement, the town of Charlestown, which is separa¬ 
ted from Boston by a narrow sheet of water, was set on fire, and the 
houses being chiefly wood, the whole town was soon reduced to ashes. 

In this engagement, 3,000 men, composing the flower of the British 
army, were engaged, and high encomiums were bestowed on the reso¬ 
lution they manifested. Their killed and wounded amounted to one 
thousand and fifly-four. Notwithstanding the danger of their retreat 
over Charlestown Neck, the loss of the Americans was only four hun¬ 
dred and fifty men. Among the killed was General Joseph Warren, 
a gentleman greatly beloved and regretted. Although the ground was 
lost, the Americans claimed the victory; and it was universally asked 
how many more such triumphs the British army could afford? The 
boldness with which the undisciplined troops of the colonies so long 
withstood the charges of the regulars, increased their confidence, and 
convinced the English that they had to contend with a resolute foe. 

On the fifteenth of June, congress, still in session, j 

elected, by a unanimous vote, George Washington, who George Wash- 
was then present, and had from their first meeting at S°-iii-cS. 

Philadelphia, been a delegate from Virginia, to the high - 

office of general and commander-in-chief of the army of the United 
Colonies. The members from the north had generously resolved, in 
order to attach the south more firmly to the confederacy, to fix upon a 




168 


HISTORY OF THE 


southern commander; but in their selection of a man, they seem to have 
been guided by a wisdom, which seemed, as far as human foresight can 
go, to penetrate into futurity. Although Washington had executed 
well whatever he had been called to perform, yet this had been too lit¬ 
tle to decide from what he had already achieved, that he possessed the 
talents to sustain a situation so diificult, so responsible, and so perilous. 
Yet the correctness and clearness of his judgment, the loftiness of his 
sentiments, the calm benignity of his manner, his habits of industry and 
punctuality, and above all, the commanding dignity of his person, de¬ 
portment, and mental character, were traits in which these wise men 
saw the elements of his future greatness ; and they fearlessly entrusted 
him with the destinies of their country. When his appointment was 
signified to him by the president of the congress, he appeared deeply 
penetrated with a mingled sense of the high honour which he had re¬ 
ceived, and the responsibility of the station to which he was raised. In 
attempting to fill it, he declared that he acted not from the dictates of 
his own judgment, which led him to fear that his talents and military 
experience might not be adequate to the discharge of his duty ; yet, such 
as they were, he felt bound to devote them to his country, in whatever 
manner the public will directed. He declined all compensation for 
his services, allowing congress to do no more than discharge the ex¬ 
penses attendant on his public career. 

Artemas Ward, of Massachusetts, Col. Lee, formerly a British officer, 
Philip Schuyler, of New-York, and Israel Putnam, then before Boston, 
were at the same time appointed to the rank of major generals; and 
Horatio Gates to that of adjutant general. 

He joins the ar- Soon after his election, Washington set out for the 
bnd‘^^ Cambridge. He found the American army, 

- consisting of 14,000 men, posted on the heights around 

Boston, forming a line which extended from Roxbury on the right, to 
the river Mystic on the left, a distance of twelve miles. The British 
forces occupied Bunker’s and Breed’s Hill, and Boston Neck. This 
disposition of the troops greatly distressed the British, who were con¬ 
fined to Boston, and often obliged to risk their lives to obtain the means 
of sustenance. 

Gen. Washington, in taking a view of the situation in which he found 
himself placed by his appointment, perceived, that although he had a 
Difficulties to be support him, ardent in the cause of liberty, and 

encountered. ready to engage in the most desperate enterprises, yet 
there were many evils to be encountered; among the 
chief of which were a want of discipline and military subordination 
among the troops. The officers, in many instances, were chosen by 
the soldiers from among their own number, and hence were not consi¬ 
dered their superiors. The army were scantily supplied with arms and 




REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


169 


ammunition, and their operations retarded, by a v/ant of skilful engi¬ 
neers ; while the interference of congressional and colonial authorities 
made it more difficult to find securities for these evils. Nevertlieless, 
he set himself to the work with alacrity and perseverance, making ju¬ 
dicious arrangements and divisions in the army, disci- „ 

® ’ He organizes 

plining the troops, and employing some of the most active the army. 

in the duties of artillerists ; and such were his exertions, 

that in a short time the army was organized, and fit to take the field. 


On the Gth of July, congress published a solemn and 


July. 


dignified declaration, in the form of a manifesto, setting Congress pub- 
forth the imperative reasons which had led the nation to ^ 

take up arms. This instrument, which was to be pub¬ 


lished from the pulpit, and in orders to the army, declared, “ We are 
reduced to the alternative of choosing an unconditional submission to 
the tyranny of irritated ministers, or resistance by force. The latter is 
our choice. We have counted the cost of this contest, and find nothing 
so dreadful as voluntary slavery. Honour, justice, and humanity for¬ 
bid us tamely to surrender that freedom which we received from our 
gallant ancestors, and which our innocent posterity have a right to re¬ 
ceive from us. Our cause is just, our union is perfect, our internal re¬ 
sources are great; and, if necessary, foreign assistance is undoubtedly 
attainable.—With hearts fortified with these animating reflections, wc 
most solemnly, before God and the world, declare, that, exerting the 
utmost energy of those powers, which our oeneficent Creator hath gra¬ 
ciously bestowed on us, the arms we have been compelled by our ene¬ 
mies to assume, we will, in defiance of every hazard, with unabating 
firmness and perseverance, employ for the preservation of our liber¬ 
ties; being with one mind resolved, to die freemen, rather than to live 
slaves.” 

In July, Georgia entered into the opposition made to Georgia joins 
the claims of the British parliament to tax America, and 

chose delegates to congress; after which, the style of - 

“ the Thirteen United Colonies” was assumed, and by that title the 
English provinces, confederated, and in arms, were thenceforth desig¬ 
nated. 

During this session of congress also, the first line of 
^posts for the communication of intelligence through the posts. 

United States, was established. Benjamin Franklin was 
appointed, by a unanimous vote, postmaster-general, with power to ap¬ 
point as many deputies as he might deem proper and necessary, for the 
conveyance of the mail from Falmouth, in Maine, to Savannah, in 
Georgia. 


22 






170 


HISTORY OF THE 


SECTION Y. 

While the British* army was closely blockaded in Boston, without the 
power of annoying the surronnding country, congress conceived the 
Americans send design of sending a force into Canada; as the move- 
gahisfcanada J^ients of Sir Guy Carleton, the governor of that province, 
- seemed to threaten an invasion of the northwestern fron¬ 
tier. Two expeditions were accordingly organized and despatched, 
one by the way of Champlain, under General Schuyler, of New-York, 
the other by the way of the river Kennebeck, under the command of 
Arnold. General Lee, with 1,200 volunteers from Connecticut, was 
also directed to repair to New-York, and with the aid of the inhabitants, 
fortify the city, and the Highlands on the Hudson river. 

In pursuance of the plan of guarding the northern frontier by taking 
Canada, generals Schuyler and Montgomery, with two regiments of 
New-York militia, and a body of New England men, amounting in the 
whole to about 2,000, were ordered to move towards Ticonderoga, which 
had remained in possession of the Americans since the expedition of 
colonels Arnold and Allen. 

.. . Brigadier General Montgomery was ordered to pro- 

vests St. Johns, ceed in advance, with the troops then in readiness, and 
^ siege to St. Johns, the first British post in Canada, 

about 115 miles north of Ticonderoga. General Schuyler soon fol¬ 
lowed, and on arriving at the Isle Aux Noix, twelve miles south of St. 
Johns, sent circular letters to the Canadians, exhorting them to arouse 
and assert their liberties, declaring that the Americans entered their 
country as friends and protectors, not as enemies. The intelligence 
received of the situation of St. Johns, determined them to wait at the 
Isle Aux Noix, for their remaining troops and artillery. Gen. Schuyler 
returned to Albany to hasten their departure, and being prevented from 
again joining the army, the chief command devolved on Montgomery. 
On receiving the reinforcement he invested St. Johns, but being almost 
destitute of battering cannon and of powder, he made no progress in 

Colonel Allen, the hero of Ticonderoga, had a com- 
mand under General Montgomery; and was sent by him 
with about 80 men, to secure a party of hostile Indians. 
Col. Allen, having effected his object, was returning to 
head quarters, when he was met by Major Brown, who, 
with a party, had been on a tour into the country, to observe the dis- 
positions of the people, and attach them, if possible, to the American 
cause. It was agreed between them, to make a descent on Montreal 


the siege. 
Sept. 

Colonel Allen 
makes an at¬ 
tempt on Mon¬ 
treal. 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


171 


They divided into two parties, intending to assail the city at two oppo¬ 
site points. Allen crossed the river in the night, as had been proposed; 
but, by some means. Brown and his party failed. Instead of returning, 
Allen, with great rashness, determined to maintain his ground. In the 
morning, the British general, Carleton, at the head of a few regulars, 
and several hundred militia, marched to attack him. Allen, with his 
little band of eighty, fought with desperate courage; but he was com¬ 
pelled to yield, and he and his brave associates were instantly loaded 
with irons, and in that condition sent to England. 

On the 13th of October, a small fort at Chamble, portChamble 
which was but slightly guarded, was taken. Several taken, 
pieces of artillery, and about 120 barrels of gunpowder, 
were the fruits of this victory; which enabled Gen. Montgomery to pro¬ 
ceed with vigour against St. John’s. In defiance of the continual fire 
of the enemy, the Americans erected a battery near fort St. John’s, and 
made preparations for a severe cannonade, and an assault, if necessary. 

Gen. Carleton, on learning the situation of St. Johns, raised a force 


Col. Warner, 

Gen. Carleton is 
repulsed at Lon- 
gueil. 


Nov. 3. 

St. John’s sur¬ 
renders to the 
Americans. 


of 800 men for its relief, and proceeded to Longueil. 
who was stationed at this place with 300 mountaineers, 
and a small piece of artillery, kept up a warm fire upon 
his boats, which effectually prevented his landing, and 
compelled him to return to Montreal. 

When the news of this repulse reached Montgomery, 
he sent a flag to Major Preston, who commanded the be¬ 
sieged fortress, summoning him to surrender. The 

summons was obeyed on the 3d of November, and the - 

fort was soon entered by American troops. 

General Carleton now abandoned Montreal to its fate, and made his 
escape down the river in the night, in a small canoe, with muffled oars. 
The next day, Gen. Montgomery, after engaging to al- Montgomery 
low the inhabitants their own laws, the free exercise of takes possession 

their religion, and the privilege of governing themselves, -^— 

entered the town. His benevolent conduct induced many to join his 
standard: yet some of his own army deserted, from severity of climate, 
and many, whose time of enlistment had nearly expired, insisted on re¬ 
turning home. With the remnant of his army, consisting of 300 men, 
he began his march towards Quebec, expecting to meet there the de¬ 
tachment of troops under Arnold, who were to penetrate by the way of 
Maine. 

Arnold commenced his march with 1,000 men, about 
the middle of September. After sustaining almost in¬ 
credible hardships, he arrived at Point Levi, opposite 
Quebec, on the 9th of November. On the 13th, he 
crossed the St. Lawrence in the night, and ascending 


Nov. 13. 

Arnold appears 
before Quebec, 
but is compelled 
to retire. 







172 


HISTORY OF THE 


Carleton 

strengthens 

Quebec. 


Dec 1. 

Montgomery 
joins Arnold at 
FointAuxTrem- 
bles. 


the precipice which Wolfe had ascended before him, formed his army, 
which, from the hardships it had endured, was reduced to 700 men, on 
the heights near the memorable plains of Abraham, and advanced in 
the hope of surprising the city. Being convinced, by a cannon shot 
from the wall, that the garrison had obtained knowledge of his approach, 
and were ready to receive him, and feeling his force to be insufficient 
to carry on a regular siege, or hazard a battle, he retired on the 18th, 
to Point Aux Trembles, there to await the arrival of Montgomery. 

Gen. Carleton, on retiring from Montreal, proceeded 
to Quebec, and immediately after Arnold had withdrawn 
his troops, began, with a garrison of 1,500 men, to pre¬ 
pare for a vigorous defence. 

General Montgomery joined Arnold on the first of De¬ 
cember. The united forces of the Americans amounted 
to less than 1,000 effective men. On the 5th, Montgo- 

--mery addressed a letter to the governor, and sent a flag 

with a summons to surrender. Gen. Carleton ordered his troops to 
fire upon the bearer of the flag, and forbade all communication. Mont¬ 
gomery attempted to batter the walls, and harass the city, by repeated 
attacks. During one night, he constructed a battery of ice, where he 
planted his cannon; but they were not of sufficient force to make any 
material impression, or to alarm the garrison. 

Montgomery now found himself under circumstances much more de¬ 
licate and embarrassing, than those which had, sixteen years before, 
environed Wolfe at the same place. Several feet of snow covered the 
ground; and his troops had undergone the severest hardships which 
human nature can endure. Yet to abandon the enterprise, was to relin¬ 
quish fame, and disappoint the expectations, however unreasonable they 
might be, of his too sanguine countrymen. He, therefore, with the 
unanimous approbation of his officers, came to the desperate determi- 
Dec 31 iiation of storming the city. Just at the dawn of day, on 
They assault the 31st of December, and during a violent snow storm, 
^tTpSias°^^° troops marched from the camp, in four divisions, 
- commanded by Montgomery, Arnold, Brown, and Liv¬ 
ingston. The two latter were to make feigned attacks ; but, impeded 
by the snow, they did not arrive in season to execute their orders. 
Arnold and Montgomery were to make an assault at opposite points. 
Montgomery, at the head of Jiis valiant band, was obliged to advance 
through a narrow path, leading under the projecting rocks of a preci¬ 
pice. When they reached the block-house and picket, he assisted with 
his own hands to open a passage for his troops, encouraging, by his voice 
and his example, his brave companions. They advanced boldly and 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA 


173 


rapidly to force tlio barrier, wlien, a single and accidental discharge 
A’oin a cannon, proved fatal to this bra\e and excellent officer, and thus 
destroyed the hopes of the enterprise. Several of Montgomery’s best 
officers shared his fate; and Col. Campbell, on whom the command 
devolved, found it impossible to pursue the advantages already gained. 

In the meantime, Arnold, at the head of his detachment, was ad- 
yancing, with the utmost intrepidity, when he received a musket ball 
in the leg, and was carried off the field. Col. Morgan, who succeeded 
him, led on the troops with so much vigour, that he soon made himself 
master of the second barrier. But the troops of the garrison, freed 
from their apprehensions of attack at any other point, were now enabled 
to turn their undivided force upon Col. Morgan and his party. In or¬ 
der to cut off his retreat, a detachment, with several field pieces, at¬ 
tacked him in the rear, while in front he had to oppose the whole 
remaining garrison. The stand which this little band of 
provincials made against three times their number, is kSed^.^Tnd a 

sufficient evidence that nothing but the death of Mont- as- 

, , , ^ , sailants sunen- 

gomery, and the subsequent retreat of the party on the der. 

opposite side, could have prevented the fall of Quebec, 

and the surrender of Carleton. After an obstinate defence of three 

hours, they were compelled to surrender themselves prisoners of war. 

On the part of the Americans, the loss was about 400; that of the 
enemy was inconsiderable. The treatment of Carleton to his prisoners, 
did honour to his humanity. Arnold, wounded as he was, retired with 
the remainder of his army, tsr the distance of three miles 
below Quebec ; where, though inferior in numbers to the remainder, ^ 
garrison, they kept it in a state of blockade, and in the 

course of the winter, reduced it to great distress for want-- 

of provisions. 


SECTION VI. 

While these events were transacting in the north, the 1.775, 

roval force, both by sea and land, was turned against New The British burn 
^ , • 1 T» • • 1 rT' Bristol and Fal- 

England. Orders were given to the British officers to mouth. 

treat the Americans as rebels, and to lay waste and de- 
stroy all such seaports as had taken part in the rebellion. In conse¬ 
quence of these orders, the towns of Bristol in Rhode Island, and Fal¬ 
mouth in Massachusetts, were burned by the orders of Captain Mowatt, 
of the British navy. 





174 


HISTORY OF THE 


teers are success¬ 
ful. 


These, and other outrages of the royalists, excited the Americans to 
redouble their exertions ; they put forth all their efforts to collect mili¬ 
tary stores; they purchased powder in all foreign ports where it was 
practicable, and, in many colonies, commenced its manufacture. They 
also began more seriously to turn their attention to their armed vessels. 
Massachusetts granted letters of marque and reprisal.* Congress also 
fitted out some frigates, and caused two battalions of marines to be 
raised for the service, and framed articles of war for the government 
of their little navy. Gen. Washington employed in the service several 
Americanpriva cruisers to intercept the store-ships of the enemy. Con- 
gress, at the same time, established regular courts of ad¬ 
miralty, for the adjudication of all prizes. These mea¬ 
sures produced a spirit of adventure, and the American coast soon 
swarmed with privateers. Alert and bold, they visited every sea, and 
greatly annoyed the British commerce. In these enterprises, one of 
the most distinguished leaders, was Captain Manly, of Marblehead. 

Efforts were still made by the British ministry to retain the colony 
of New-York, under their own influence. They restored Try on, who 
British attempt greatly beloved by the people, to the government of 
to detach New- New-York, for the express purpose of detaching, if pos- 
con^federacy. sible, this colony from the united confederacy ; and to 

- this end, they empowered him to make use of measures 

to bribe and corrupt. Congress, alarmed for the safety of the colony, 
recommended that “ all persons, whose going at large would endanger 
the liberty of America, should be arrested and secured.” In conse¬ 
quence of this intelligence, Gov. Tryon was obliged to taj^e refuge on 
board a ship in the harbour. 

, , „ The government of Virginia was now in the hands of 

attempts to re- the Colonial assembly; but Lord Dunmore, still on board 
Sy”iu”virginim king’s ships, did not abandon all hopes of regaining 
his former station ; and, in November, he issued a procla¬ 
mation declaring martial law, and promising freedom to such slaves as 
would leave their masters, and join his party. His numbers were soon 
increased by several hundred negroes and royalists. The assembly, 
receiving notice of his proceedings, sent eight hundred militia to oppose 
hiS movements. Dunmore left his ships, and occupied a strong posi¬ 
tion near Norfolk. The Virginians took a post nearly opposite ; and 

Dec. 7. were attacked, on the 7th of December, by the 

His party are royalists and negroes. They repelled the assailants, and 
defeated near . , , • . • , 

Norfolk. gamed a decisive victory; after which, they occupied 


* “ Letters of Marque and Reprisal are a commission granted by the supreme authority ot 
a state to a subject, empowering him to enter an enemy’s territories, and capture the goods 
and person of the enemy, in return for goods or persons taken by him.” Webste-r. 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


175 


the town of Norfolk. Lord Dunmore, with his forces, again repaired 
to his ships, where, in consequence of the many royalists who joined 
him, he became reduced to great distress, for want of provisions. In 
this situation, he sent a flag to Norfolk, demanding a supply for his ma. 
jesty’s ships. The commander of the provincials, refusing to comply 
with this requisition, he inhumanly set fire to the town, 
and reduced it to ashes. At length, he was compelled 
to relinquish all attempts to regain his government; and 
his followers, on board the ships, assailed at once by 
tempest, famine and disease, sought refuge in Florida, 

Bermuda, and the West Indies. 

The last hope of the colonies for reconciliation, rested 
in the petition of congress to the king, which had been 
emphatically styled the olive branchy and was sent over 
by Mr. Penn, a descendant of the proprietor of Pennsyl¬ 
vania, and a former governor of that colony, but the 
earliest information received from him, after the meeting of parliament, 
dissolved every vestige of hope. The king, in his speech at the open¬ 
ing of the session, accused the Americans of hostility and rebellion; 
and declared that the object of their taking up arms, was to establish 
an independent empire. To prevent this, he recommended that vigo¬ 
rous measures should be taken to subdue them; not forgetting such as 
were likely to weaken them, by divisions. As this speech developed 
the ministerial views, large majorities in both houses, notwithstanding 
the eloquence of Mr. Burke and others, answered the king’s speech, 
by responding the same sentiments of accusation against the colonies, 
and the same determination to reduce them to obedience, by measures 
of distress and coercion. 

The friends of America obtained a reluctant vote of Mr. Penn is ex- 
the peers to examine Mr. Penn. This gentleman affirmed, 

that the colonies would still allow the royal authority of - 

Great Britain, but not its present system of taxation; that the rejection 
of the present offer would certainly prove an insuperable bar to recon¬ 
cilement ; but the prevailing wish in America still was, restoration 
of friendship with Great Britain. 

About the last of December, an act was passed prohibiting all trade 
and commerce with the colonies ; and authorizing the capture and con¬ 
demnation of all American vessels, with their cargoes. Trade with the 
and all other vessels found trading in any port or place ’ 

in the colonies, as if the same were the vessels and ef- - 

fects of opbn enemies; and the vessels and property thus taken were 
vested in the captors, and the crews were to be treated, not ,as pri- 
soners, but as slaves 


Jan. 1 

Dunmore burns 
Norfolk; and 
quits the pro¬ 
vince. 


1775. 

Parliament re¬ 
solves to enforce 
obedience from 
the colonies. 






176 


HISTORY OF THE 


ravliameni re¬ 
fuses to hear the 
petition of the 
colonies. 


England hires 
mercenaries. 


The petition carried by Mr. Penn, had' been laid be¬ 
fore parliament; but both houses refused to hear it, al¬ 
leging, that they could not treat upon any proposition 

-^- coming from an unlawful assembly. By the passage of 

these acts, and the rejection of this last petition. Great Britain filled 
full the measure of its wrongs to America, and sealed the doom of 
its eternal separation from its colonies. 

Treaties were made with the landgrave of Hesse Cas- 
sel, and other German princes, hiring of them 17,000 
men, to be employed against the xVmericans ; and it 
was determined to send over, in addition to these, 25,000 English 
troops.* 

At the close of the year 1775, the American army was almost desti¬ 
tute of the necessary supplies for carrying on the war. The terms of 
State of the CO enlistment of all the troops had expired in Decem- 

lonial army. ber ; and although measures had been taken for recruit- 

ing the army, yet on the last day of December, when the 
old troops were to be disbanded, there were but 9,650 men enlisted for 
the ensuing year. General Washington proposed to Congress to try 
the influence of a bounty ; but his proposal was not acceded to until late 
in January, and it was not until the middle of February, that the regu¬ 
lar army amounted to 14,000 men; in addition to which the comman- 
der-in-chief called out 6,000 Massachusetts militia. 

" 1776 General Washington had continued the blockade of 

- Boston during the winter of 1775-6, and at last resolved 

to bring the enemy to action, or to drive them from the town. On 
the night of the 4th of March, a detachment, under the command of 
General Thomas, silently crossed the neck of land which separates 
Dorchester Heights from the town; and constructed, in a single night, 
a redoubt which gave them command of the heights, and menaced 
the British shipping with destruction. When the light of the morning 
discovered to General Howe the advantage the Americans had gained, 
he perceived, that no alternative remained for him, but to dislodge them, 
or evacuate the place. He immediately despatched a few regiments to 
attempt the former, but a violent tempest of wind and rain rendered 
their efforts ineffectual. The Americans had continued, with unremit¬ 
ting industry to strengthen their works, until they were now too secure 
to be easily forced. After the failure of this attempt, a council of war 
was held, in which it was resolved to evacuate the town. Preparations 
were Immediately made for the embarkation of the troops ; and, on the 


* When the intelligence of the Prohibitory Act, and the treaty for the (Icrman troops, 
reached America, such indignant feelings were excited, that the flag, which had hitherto 
been plain red, was changed to thirteen stripes, as emblematical of the union of%re colonies. 






REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


177 


tish lor the cam¬ 
paign. 


morning of tfie 17th, the whole British force, with such March 17. 
of the loyalists as chose to follow their fortunes, set sail British evacuate 

for Halifax. As the rear of the British troops w^ere em- -— 

barking, Gen. Washington entered the town in triumph. 

In the plans for the campaign of 1776, beside the relief of Quebec, 
and the recovery of Canada, two expeditions w'ere resolved upon by 
the British. The object of the one was to reduce the piaus of theBri- 
southern colonies; the command of which was given to 
Geni Clinton and Sir Peter Parker ; and the object of 
the other was to gain possession of New-York. The command of this 
Avas given to Admiral and Sir William Ilowe, who had succeeded Gen. 
Gage, in the command of the British troops. 

Arnold had continued the siege of Quebec, and had greatly annoyed 
the garrison ; but he found himself oppressed with many difficulties. 
His army had suffered extremely from the inclemency of the season, 
and the small pox had made its way into the camp. Notwithstanding 
the garrison of Montreal had been sent to reinforce him, he had, at this 
time, scarcely one thousand effective men. The reinforcements which 
had been ordered by congress, to his relief, were slow in arriving ; and 
when they reached Quebec, they Avere greatly reduced in numbers by 
disease. Added to this, the river was now clear of ice, and the British 
fleet Avas daily expected to arrive. 

Gen. Thomas, who had been sent by congress, noAV 
succeeded Arnold in command. He Avas unwilling to 
raise the siege of Quebec, Avithout making another effort 
to reduce the place. With the vieAV of burning the vessels of the go- 
vernor, he sent a fire-ship doAvn the river, intending to take advan- 
tage of the disorder, which would ensue, to make an assault upon the 
toAvn; but the garrison, perceiving his design, took measures to frustrate 
it; and the attempt failed. Having now nothing further to expect 
from a siege, and seeing his troops daily diminish, both in numbers 
and courage, Gen. Thomas resolved to abandon the enterprise. On 
the very day appointed for raising the siege, several British vessels came 
in sight of Quebec, bringing reinforcements to the-garrison. These 
ships noAV had the command of the river, and prevented any communi- 
cation between the different parts of the American camp. Gen. Thomas 
found it necessary to retreat Avith the greatest precipita¬ 
tion, leaving behind him the baggage, artillery, muni¬ 
tions, and Avhatever else might have retarded the march 
of the army. Many of the sick, together with all the 
military stores, fell into the hands of the enemy. 

Had Gen. Carleton vigorously pursued the Atnericans, they could 
not, probably, have effected their retreat; but he seemed only desirous 
of driving the the besiegers from the neighbourhood. He treated with 

23 


Gen. Thomas 
succeeds ArnoW 
at Quebec. 


He abandons 
the siege, and 
retreats to the 
Sorel. 






178 


HISTORY OF THE 


great kindness the sick, and other prisoners that fell into his hands. 
The Americans continued their retreat to the river Sorel, having 
marched the first forty-five miles without halting. Here they found a 
reinforcement of several regiments, under the command of Gen. Thomp¬ 
son, waiting their arrival. Gen. Thomas was now seized with the 
small pox, of which he died ; when the command devolved upon Gen. 
Sullivan. 

Adverse fortune seemed, in every part of Canada, to follow the Ame¬ 
rican arms. While the troops before Quebec were cpmpelled to retreat 
by a superior force, a calamity, resulting from cowardice, was expe- 
. . rienced by a body of the Americans, in another quarter, 

defeated at the A garrison of 400 men, under the command, of Col. 

—-‘- Bedel, was stationed at the Cedars, about forty miles 

above Montreal, at the head of one of the rapids. Col. Bedel, liaving 
received information, that Captain Foster, with about five hundred roy¬ 
alists and Indians, was descending the river, to attack the post, imme¬ 
diately proceeded to Montreal to obtain assistance, leaving the command 
with a subordinate officer. They invested the fort; and the American 
officer, intimidated by the threat of Captain Foster, that if any of the 
Indians were killed, a general massacre of the Americans would take 
place, surrendered the post, without resistance. A reinforcement, under 
the command of Maj. Sherburne, was ordered to march from Montreal. 
While on his way tliilher, ignorant of the surrender of the fort, Maj. 
Sherburne was attacked by the Indians, to whom, after a spirited de¬ 
fence, he was obliged to surrender. The loss of the Americans at this 
place could not have been less than .500. 

The British army in Canada was now augmented to 
in ( aiiada. 13,000 men ; and although they were scattered along the 
banks of the St. Lawrence, yet the general place of ren¬ 
dezvous was at Three Rivers, a village about half way from Quebec to 
Montreal. The party stationed at this place, was under the command 
of Gen. Frazer; another, under Gen. Nesbit, was near them, on board 
the transports; one greater than either, with generals Carleton, Bur- 
goyne. Philips, and the German baron, Reidesel, was on its way from 
Quebec. 

Gen. Sullivan detached Gen. Thompson from the river Sorel, with a 
considerable body of troops, to attack the enemy at Three Rivers, 
lie dropped down the river by night, with the intention of surprising 
Gen. Frazer. The troops passed the ships, without discovery ; but, 
arriving at the place an hour later than'had been intended, they were 
discovered at their landing, and the enterprise was frustrated, with the 
loss of 200 men, who were made prisoners. 

Gen. Sullivan was induced, by the unanimous opinion of his officers, 
to abandon the post at Sorel, after the British entered it. He was 




REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


179 


June. 

British fleets ar¬ 
rive at Charles¬ 
ton. 


joined at St. John’s by Gen. Arnold, who had crossed at June 18. 
Longueil, just in time to save the garrison from falling 
into the hands of the enemy. Gen. Sullivan, at the Isle — 

Aux Noix, received the orders of Gen. Schuyler to embark on the 
lakes for Crown Point; which post they reached in safety, June 15th, 
1776. On the Sorel the pursuit stopped. The Americans had the 
command of the lakes, and the British general deemed it prudent to 
wrest it from them, before he advanced further. Thus ended the en- 
terprise against Canada. It was a bold, though unsuccessful effort to 
annex that extensive province to the United Colonies. It had, how- 
ever, in its commencement, been attended with success to the Ameri- 
cans, and displayed the military character of the colonial officers in the 
most honourable point of view. 

The British fleets, under Sir Peter Parker and Gen. 

Clinton, united at Cape Fear, and proceeded together 
to Charleston, where they arrived early in June. The 
fleet under Parker, brought the expected reinforcements, 
with Lord Cornwallis, Gen. Vaughn, and Col. Ethan Allen, who was 
now exchanged. This officer, with his fellow prisoners, had been con- 
fined in Pendennis castle, in Cornwall. 

Fortunately, an official letter had been intercepted early in the year, 
announcing the departure of this armament from England, and its desti¬ 
nation against the southern states. This gave the colonists an oppor- 
tunity to be prepared for its reception. Sullivan’s island, at the 
entrance of Charleston harbour, had been strengthened ; and a fort had 
been constructed with the palmetto tree, which very much resembles 
the cork. On learning the near approach of the enemy, the militia of 
the country were summoned to defend the capital. The popularity of 
Gen. Lee, the commander, soon collected a force of 5 or 6,000 men, 
and his high military reputation gave confidence to the citizens as well 
as soldiers. Under him were colonels Gadsden, Moultrie, and Thomp¬ 
son. Col. Gadsden commanded a regiment, stationed on the northern 
extremity of James’ island ; two regiments, under colonels Moultrie 
and Thompson, occupied the opposite extremities of Sullivan’s island. 
The remainder of the troops were posted at various points. Gen. 
Clinton landed a number of his troops on Long Island, separated from 
Sullivan’s island, on the eastern side, by a small creek. The fort on 
Sullivan’s island was garrisoned by about 400 men, commanded by 
Col. Moultrie. The attack on this fort commenced on 28 

the morning of the 28th of June. The ships opened Attack of the 
their several broadsides upon it; and a detachment was 

landed on an adjoining island, and directed to pass over -- 

where the sea was fordable, and attack it in the rear. The discharge 
of artillery upon this little fort was incessant; but Moultrie and his 





180 


HISTORY OF THE 


(i 

brave Carolinians returned the fire with such skill and spirit, that many 
of the ships suffered severely ; and the British, after persisting in their 
attack until dark, were repulsed and forced to abandon the enterprise. 
Their loss amounted to about 200; that of the Americans to ten killed 
and twenty-two wounded. Tlie palmetto wood, in this instance, proved 
an effectual defence; as the enemy’s balls did not penetrate, hut sunk 
into it as into earth. The name of the fort was henceforth called, from 
its brave defender, Moultrie. 

During this engagement, a singular circumstance occurred. After 
a dreadful volley from the British, the flag of the fort was no longer 
seen to wave ; and the Americans were, every moment, expecting to see 
the British troops mount the parapets in triumph. But none appeared; 
and, after a few moments, the striped banner of America was once 
, , . . more unfurled to their view. The staff had been carried 

Jasper’s exploit. 

- away by a sliot, and the flag had fallen upon the outside of 

the works. A brave serjeant, by the name of Jasper, jumped over the 
wall, and, amidst a shower of bullets, fastened it in its place 

It had early occurred to Washington, that the central 

Washington . . . . • , , i 

fixes his head Situation 01 JNew-iork, with tlie numerous advantages 
quarters at New- attending the possession of that city, would render it an 

- object of great importance to the British. . Under this 

impression, before the enemy evacuated Boston, Gen. Lee had been 
detached from Cambridge, to put Long Island and New-York in a pos¬ 
ture of defence. Soon after the evacuation of Boston, the commander- 
in-chief followed, and with the greater part of his army, fixed his head 
quarters in New-York. 

A few days after the repulse at Charleston, the British 
fleet, with the troops on board, set sail for the vicinity of 
New-York, where the whole British force had been or¬ 
dered to assemble. 

On the 7th of June, Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, 
made a motion in congress, for declaring the colonies 

FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES. 

The most vigorous exertions had been made by the friends of inde¬ 
pendence, to prepare the minds of the people, to perceive the necessity 
and advantage of such a measure. Among the numerous writers on 
this momentous question, the most luminous and forcible was Tliornas 
Paine. His pamphlet entitled “ Common Sense,” was read and under- 
stood by all. While it demonstrated the necessity, the advantage, and 
the practicability of independence, it treated kingly government and 
hereditary succession, with ridicule and opprobrium. Two years before, 
the inhabitants of the colonies were the loyal subjects of the king of 
England, and wished not for independence, but for constitutional li- 
berty. But the crown of England had, for their assertion of this right, 


British sail for 
New-York. 


Independence 
proposed in con¬ 
gress. 






REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


181 


declared them out of its protection; rejected their petitions ; shackled 
their commerce ; and finally employed foreign mercenaries to destroy 
them. Such were the excitements, which, being stirred up and di¬ 
rected by the master spirits of the times, had, in the space of two 
years, changed the tide of public feeling in America, and throughout 
her extensive regions, produced the general voice— “.we will be 

FREE.” 

Satisfied by indubitable signs, that such was the resolution of the 
people, congress deliberately and solemnly decided to make, in a 
formal manner, this declaration to the world—“ America is, and of 
right ought to he, a free and independent nation.” 

The Declaration of Independence was agreed to in 
congress, on the 4th of July, 177G.* 

“ This important paper commences with stating, that, ‘ when, ,in the 
course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dis¬ 
solve the political bonds which have connected them with another, and 
to assume, among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal sta¬ 
tions to which the laws of nature, and of nature’s God, entitle them, a 
decent respect to the opinion of mankind requires, that they should 
declare the causes which impel them to the separation.’ ” 

The causes are then stated, and a long enumeration of the oppres¬ 
sions complained of by America, is closed, with saying, “ a prince, 
whose chafacter is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, 
is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.” 

The fruitless appeals which had been made to the people of Great 
Britain .are also recounted; but “ they too,” concludes this declara¬ 
tion, “ have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. 
We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, \yhich denounces our 
separation ; and hold them, as we hold the rest of 'mankind, enemies 
in war, in peace friends.” 

“ We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of Ame¬ 
rica, in general congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge 
of the world, for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and 
by the authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish 
and declare, that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, 
free and independent states ; that they are absolved from all allegiance 
to the British crown; and that all political connexion between them 

* Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and R. R. Living¬ 
ston, had been appointed, on the 11th of June; to prepare a declaration of independence. 
It was agreed b)' this committee, that each one should draw up such a draft as his judgment 
and feelings should dictate; and that, upon comparing them together, that one should be 
chosen as the report of the committee, which should prove most conformable to the wishes of 
the whole. Mr. Jefferson’s paper was the first read; and every member of the committee de¬ 
termined, spontaneously, to suppress his own production ; observing, that it was unworthy 
to bear a competition with that which they had just heard. See Appendix. 


July 4. 

Independence 

declared. 



182 


HISTORY OF THE 


and the state of Great Britain, is, and ought to be, totally dissolved , 
and that, as free and independent states, they have full power to levy 
war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and do 
all other acts and things, which independent states may of right do. 
And, for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the pro¬ 
tection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our 
lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honour.”* 


After the treaty of Paris, the English divided their newly acquired 
territories into three provinces: viz. East and West Florida, and Que¬ 
bec. The limits of Georgia were extended to the St. Mary’s ; and the 
lands lying in the interior of the country, westward of the sources 
of thcirivers which fall into the sea from the west and northwest, were 
reserved for the use of their aboriginal proprietors. The settlements 
in Vermont, now called New Hampshire grants, had extended from 
the southern over the northern parts of the state. New-York at this 
time claimed jurisdiction over them ; but its claims were opposed by 
those who had settled the lands, under grants from N^ew Hampshire. 
Emigrants from the eastern states, had commenced the settlement of 
the present states of Kentucky and Tennessee. 

1 ; 

Population. 


' New Hampshire,. 52,000. 

Massachusetts,.292,000. 

Connecticut,.197,856. 

Rhode Island,. 59,678. 

" New-York,.168,000. 

South Carolina,. 40,000 whites. 

* ' Louisiana,.. ../.. 5,500. 

The precise population of the other colonies, unknown ; but the 
whole number of inhabitants in the colonies, at this period, was nearly 
three millions. 


Principal Towns. —New-York, Philadelphia, Annapolis, (Md.) Bos¬ 
ton, Charleston, (S. C.) Jamestown, (Va.) Newark, (N. J.) Providence 
and Newport, (R. I.) Hartford, New Haven, and New London, (Conn.) 
and Portland, in Maine. 


* Marshall’s Life of Washington. 









REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


183 


Colleges ,— Harvard, Yale, William and Mary’s, King’s,* Nassau 
Hall, Rhode Island College at Warren, and Dartmouth in Hanover 
New Hampshire. 


Societies formed, 

1766. The Marine Society of Salem. 

1769. The American Philosophical Society, for the promotion of 
useful knowledge, held at Philadephia. 

1771. New-York Library. 


Catalogue of eminent men who died during the period, 

extending from 1763 1776. Year in which 

they died. 


Zabdiel Boylston, F. R. S., an eminent physician; 
the first who introduced the inoculation of the small 
pox into America. 

Jonathan Mayhew, D. D., a learned divine. 

Thomas Clap, president of Yale College, constructed 
the first orrery, or planetarium, made in America. 

Edward Holyoke, president of Harvard College. 

George Whitfield, one of the founders of the sect of 
the Methodists. 

William ShirleIt, governor of Massachusetts. 

Samuel Johnson, president of King’s College, New- 
York. 

JoHff Clayton, an eminent botanist and physician, 
author of “ Flora Virginica.” 

William Johnson, major general of the militia of 
New-York, and distinguished m the last French war. 

Thomas Hollis, a distinguished benefactor of Harvard 
College. 

Richard Montgomery, a major general in the Ame¬ 
rican army. 

JosiAH Quincy, an eminent statesman and patriot. 

Peyton Randolph, first president of congress. 

Joseph Warren, a major general in the American 
army, and a distinguished patriot. 


1766. 


1767. 

1769. 

1770. 

1771. 

1772. 

1773. 


1774. 


1775. 


* Afterwards Columbia. 


184 


HISTORY OF T&E 



PART VIII. 


COMPRISES THE EVENTS WHICH OCCURRED FROM THE 
The Declaration of I SEVENTH EPOCIIA, 1776, | Independence, &c. 


TO THE 


Commencement of the| EIGHTH EPOCHA, 1789. |Federal 


Government. 



SECTION I. 

1776 Considered as a step in the great march of human 

--— society, perhaps no one can be fixed upon of more im¬ 
portance, than the solemn promulgation of the writing, w’^hich, while it 
contained a catalogue of the grievances of America, and declared her 
freedom, embodied also, and held up to the view of the world, the uni¬ 
versal wrongs of the oppressed; sent forth a warning voice to the op¬ 
pressor ; and declared the common rights of all mankind. 

But, as it more particularly concerned the condition of the Ameri¬ 
cans, the signing of this declaration by the American congress, was a 
momentous procedure. That firm band of patriots well kneAv, that, in 
affixing their signatures, they were, in the eyes of England, committing 
the very fact of treason and rebellion; and that in case of her ultimate 
success, it was their own death warrant which they signed. Their 
countrymen felt that there was now no receding from the contest, with¬ 
out devoting to death these their political fathers, who had thus fear¬ 
lessly made themselves the organs of declaring, what was equally the 
determination of their constituents, that America should no longer be 
subject to Britain. Thus it was now the general feeling, that the die 
was cast, and nothing remained but liberty or death. Foreign nations 



REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


185 


also regarded the contest in a ditferent light. “ The declaration of inde¬ 
pendence,” says Allen, in his history of the revolution, “ once pub¬ 
lished to the world with such solemnity, gave a new character to the 
contest, not only in the colonies, but in Europe. It was no longer the 
unholy struggle of subjects against their monarch ; of children against 
their parents ; but it became the temperate and determined stand of 
men who had entrenched themselves within the certain and thoroughly 
understood limits of their rights ; of men who had counted the cost 
dispassionately, and measured the event without shrinking.” 

The troops from Halihix, under the command of Gen. 2 

Howe, after touching at Sandy Hook took possession of Howe takes pos- 
Staten Island on the 2d of July ; and those from Eng- SSrid 


land, commanded by Admiral Howe, landed at the same -*- 

‘ place on the 12th of the same month. About the same time, Clinton 
arrived, with the troops which he had reconducted from the expedition 
against Charleston. Commodore Hotham also appeared about the 
same time, with the expected reinforcements from England; so that 
the army amounted, in the whole, to 24,000, of English, Hessians, and 
Waldekers. Several Hessian regiments were expected shortly, when 
the army would consist of 35,000 of the best troops of Europe. 

With the hope that this powerful force might have June 
awakened the fears of the Americans, and thus disposed Fruitless at- 
them to submission. Lord Howe, before commencing ac- ^ 

tive operations, made an attempt at pacification. He - 

had, in the month of June, announced, by his proclamations, that he was 
empowered to grant pardon to any person, or to the inhabitants of any 
city or province, who should return to their allegiance : and he pro¬ 
mised large recompense to any who should contribute to -re-establish 
the royal authority. Congress, to prevent the intended effects of this 
proclamation, instead of endeavouring to suppress it, took the wiser 
course of causing it to be printed in the journals of the day, with ac¬ 
companying remarks, which showed to the people its insidious nature; 
while the declaration of independence, made soon after by congress, 
showed to Lord Howe, in what light these promises were viewed by 
that body. He now addressed himself to the commander-in-ehief, in 
a letter directed to George Washington, Esq. With a spirit which the 
whole nation applauded, Washington returned the letter unopened ; 
alleging, that it had not expressed his public station, and that as a pri¬ 
vate individual, he neither could, nor would, hold any communication 
with the agents of the king. Howe, not yet discouraged, sent another 
communication by Adjutant-General Patterson. The reply which 
Washington made to the smooth and conciliatory address of this gentle¬ 
man, was an expression of that common feeling of his countrymen, which 
was the true source of a union, that both the threats and promises of 

24 




186 


HISTORY OF THE 


Howe’s plan of 
operations. 


Great Britain, failed to divide. The sentiment it contained was, that 
Great Britain did not offer the Americans the enjoyment of their rights; 
she offered nothing but forgiveness of offences:—America had com¬ 
mitted no offences, and asked no forgiveness. 

The officers in command. General and Admiral Howe, 
no longer hesitated*to direct their efforts against New- 
York. The possession of this important post would give 
to the English a firm footing in America, from which their army could 
turn to the right, and carry the war into New England; or to the left, 
to scour New Jersey, and menace Philadelphia. It was a convenient 
depository for arms, from whence they could infest the neighbouring 
towns, attack and combat the Americans with advantage, and retreat 
without danger; and Long Island, adjacent to New-York, being abun- 
dant in grain and cattle, offered subsistence to a numerous army. 
Howe expected to be seconded in his invasion of New-York, by thir¬ 
teen thousand men from Canada, under Gen. Carleton, who, it wa*s 
hoped, after passing the lakes, would be able to descend the Hudson 
at the same time that Howe should ascend it, and, by their junction, in¬ 
tercept all communication between New England, and the middle, and 
southern states. Clinton was at the same time to operate in the 
southern provinces, and attack Charleston; while the American troops 
being thus divided, and their generals pressed upon so many points at 
once, it was not doubted that the British arms would soon be success¬ 
ful. This success, however, was dependent on the concurrence of a 
number of circumstances. Admiral Howe, retarded by contrary winds, 
did not arrive until the expedition against Charleston had failed. The 
army of Canada encountered so many obstacles, tliat it w’as not able, 
this year, to make its way to the Hudson. Hence, Washington was 
not compelled to weaken his army upon the coast to send succours into 
South Carolina, or towards Canada. 

Strength and po- The American congress liad ordered the construction 
I'ngton’fanrT/.^’ gun-boats, galleys, and floating batteries, to defend 

- New-York and the mouth of the Hudson. Thirteen thou.. 

sand of the militia w’ere ordered to join the army of Washington, which 
thus increased, amounted to twenty-seven thousand ; but a fourth of 
these were invalids, and another fourth were poorly provided with 
arms. From these, and other causes, the force fit for duty did not ex¬ 
ceed ten thousand; and of this number, the greater part was without 
order or discipline. These inconveniences proceeded, in part, from 
want of money, which prevented congress from paying regular troo})s, 
and providing for their equi})ments; and partly from parsimonious 
habits, contracted during peace, which withheld them from incurring 
with promptitude the expenses necessary to a state of war; while their 




REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


187 


jealousy of standing armies inspired the hope, that they could each 
year organize an army sufficient to resist the enemy. 

The American army occupied the island of New-York. Two de¬ 
tachments guarded Governor’s Island and Paulus The militia, 

under the American Clinton, were stationed at East and West Chester, 
and New Rochelle, to prevent the British landing in force on the north 
shore, penetrating to Kingsbridge, and thus enclosing the Americans 
in the island. A considerable part of the army, under Gen. Putnam, 
encamped at Brooklyn, on a part of Long Island which forms a sort of 
peninsula. The entrance was fortified with moats and entrenchments. 
Putnam’s left wing rested upon Wallabout bay, his right was covered 
by a marsh adjacent to Go wan’s Cove. Behind was Governor’s Island, 
and the arm of the sea between Long Island and New-York, whicli 
gave him direct communication with the city', where Washington was 
with the main army. 

On the 22d of August, the English landed, without op¬ 
position, between the villages of New Utrecht and Bi^slflamfon 
Gravesend, on Long Island. They extended themselves f-ong Island, 
to Flatlands, distant four miles from the Americans, and 
separated from them by a range of hills, called the heights of Gawa- 
nus, which, covered with woods, and running from east to west, divide 
the island into two parts. These hills were passable only in three 
places; one, the road near the Narrows, on the left of the English; one 
the road leading to the centre, by Flatbush; the other, and most eastern, 
that on the right of the British, by Flatlands. Upon the summits of 
these hills, is a road the length of the range from Bedford to Jamaica, 
intersected by the Flatlands and Flatbush roads. Washington, wishing 
to arrest the enemy on these heights, had guarded them with his best 
troops, and had made such arrangements, as, witli proper vigilance, 
would have rendered the passage one of extreme difficulty and danger. 

About midnight of the 26th, the English, under Gen. 

Grant, attacked the Americans from the left, thus indu- Battle%*f"^Long 
cinff the belief, that against this post the main strength of island, in which 
the British would be directed. At daybreak on the 27th, are defeated, 
the Hessians, under Gen. De Heister, attacked from the ~ 

centre, and General Sullivan, who commanded the forces in front of 
ffie American camp, led them to repel the Hessians. 

At the same time, the English ships commenced a brisk cannonade 
upon the battery at Red Hook. Col. Miles was to guard the Flatlands 
road, and to scour that and the Jamaica road continually, in order to 
reconnoitre the movements of the enemy. This service, as events 
proved, was the most important, and the worst performed, of any on 
the side of the Americans. It was here that the British generals made 
their grand effort, and here that the Americans suffered a surprise. 




188 


HISTORY OF THE 


The right wing of the English, which was the most numerous, and en¬ 
tirely composed of select troops, under generals Clinton, Percy, and 
Cornwallis, proceeded by Flatlands, and were, before Miles perceived 
their approach, within half a mile of the Jamaica road, upon the 
heights. Scouts sent out by Sullivan were captured ; and he was thus 
left in ignorance of the enemy’s approach, until his flank was attacked 
by their infantry. He instantly ordered a retreat; but was intercepted 
in the rear by the English, who had occupied the plains from Bedford, 
and compelled the Americans to throw themselves into the neighbour¬ 
ing woods. There they were met by the Hessians, who repulsed them 
upon the English. Thus were the distressed Americans alternately 
chased and intercepted, until, at length, several regiments cut their way, 
with desperate valour, through the midst of the enemy, and gained the 
camp of Putnam ; but a great part of the detachment were killed, or 
taken prisoners. The left wung having given way, the right attempted 
to retreat, but they were encountered by the English, and many were 
taken prisoners. ^ Lord Sterling, at the head of a Maryland company, 
charged a superior British force, and kept them engaged, while a con¬ 
siderable body of the Americans passed them, and retreated to Brook¬ 
lyn. The loss of the Americans was estimated at nearly 2,000,* and 
the British at about four hundred. 

In the height of the engagement, Gen. Washington crossed to Brook¬ 
lyn from New-York, and seeing so many of his best troops slaughtered, 
or taken prisoners, he uttered, it is said, an exclamation of anguish. 
He might, at this moment, have drawn all his troops from the encamp¬ 
ment ; and also called over all the forces in New-York, to take part in 
the conflict: but victory having declared in favour of the English, the 
courage with which it inspired them, and the superiority of their disci¬ 
pline, destroyed all hope of recovering the battle. Great praise is, 
therefore, due to Washington, for having preserved himself and his 
army for a happier future. * 


SECTION II. 

1776. On the night of the 28th of August, Gen. Washington, 
Aug. 28. vvith great skill and judgment, succeeded in drawing the 
whldraws^^his remainder of his troops from Long Island to New-York ; 

* On the subject of the loss of the Americans on this unfortunate day authorities disagree. 
Sir Henry Clinton’s official report states it at between three and four thousand; Gen. Wash¬ 
ington’s, at rising of one thousand. When the disastrous consequences of this engagement 
are considered, it does not seem probable that the American loss could have been less than 
two thousand. 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


189 


to which place the detachment from Governor’s Island, troops fiomLong 
also retired, hinding, however, a disposition in the Bri- 


Island. 


Hale executed 
as a spy. 


tish, to attack the city, and knowing that it would be impossible to de- 
fend it, he removed his forces to the heights of Harlaem. 

About this time. Captain Hale, a highly interesting 
young officer of Connecticut, learning that Washington 
wished to know the state of the British army, on Long 
Island, volunteered for the dangerous service of a spy. He entered 
the British army in disguise, and obtained the desired information; 
but being apprehended in his attempt to return, he was carried before 
Sir William Howe, and by his orders was executed the. next morning. 
At the place of execution, he exclaimed, “ I lament that I have but one 
life to lay down for my country.” 

On the 15th of September, the British army entered, 
and took possession of the city of New-York. A few ente^* 

days after, a fire broke out, which consumed nearly one- New-York. 
fourth part of the buildings. It is said that the fire 
was discovered in many different places at once ; and hence some 
have supposed that the city was set on fire, as rMoscow has more re¬ 
cently been, to deprive its enemies of its hospitable shelter. 

Gen. Howe, not yet convinced of the constancy of the Americans, 
still indulged a hope that they might now be sufficiently humbled to 
accede to the terms offered by England, and again made overtures for 
reconciliation. Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, and 
Edward Rutledge, were accordingly appointed tc meet for^rccon- 

the British commissioners at Staten Island. But as they ciliation. 
utterly refused to treat on any other basis than the ac¬ 
knowledgement of American independence, nothing Avas effected. 

The situation in which the American commander now saw the mo¬ 
mentous contest, could not but have filled him with alarm- 
ing apprehensions for the fate of his country. Until the Jre^dispMteX”^ 

check at Brooklyn, the Americans had flattered them-- 

selves that heaven would constantly favour their arms. From the in¬ 
toxicating confidence of prosperity, they now fell into a state of dejec¬ 
tion. At first, they had believed that courage, without discipline, could 
do all; they now thought it could do nothing; at every moment, they 
were apprehensive of some new surprise, and at every step, fearful of 
falling into an ambuscade. 

■ Thus discouraged, the militia abandoned their colours by hundreds, 
and entire regiments deserted, and returned to their homes. In the 
regular army also, subordination diminished, and desertions were com¬ 
mon. Their engagements were but for a year, or a few weeks; and 
the hope of soon returning to their families induced them to avoid 
dangers. The fidelity of the generals was not suspected ; but their 







190 


HISTORY OF THE 


Washington a- 
dopts the F abian 
policy. 


talents were distrusted, and every thing appeared to threaten a total 
dissolution of the army. Washington strove earnestly, with exhorta¬ 
tions, persuasions, and promises, to arrest this spirit of disorganization. 
If he did not succeed according to his designs, he obtained more than 
his hopes. To congress he addressed an energetic picture of the de¬ 
plorable state of the forces, and assured them that he must despair of 
^ ^ success, unless furnished with an army that should stand 

Sunty^^to^The by him till the conclusion of the struggle. To effect 
d£r^ this, a bounty of twenty dollars was offered at the time 

-of engagement, and portions of unoccupied lands were 

promised to the officers and soldiers. 

But although Washington hoped ultimately to reap the benefit of 
these arrangements, yet time must intervene ; and his present prospect 
was that of a handful of dispirited and ill-found troops, to contend 
against a large and victorious army. In this situation 
he adopted the same policy by which Fabius Maximus 
had, 2,000 years before, preserved Italy, when invaded 
by Hannibal; and, like him, saved his country. Hence 
he has been called the American Fabius.. This policy was to risk no 
general engagement, but to harass and wear out the enemy, by keeping 
them in motion ; while by skirmishes, where success was probable, he 
would, by degrees, diminish their number, and inspirit his own troops. 

Sep 16 September, the day after the British 

The Americans took possession of New-York, a considerable body of 
their troops appeared in the plain between the two ar¬ 
mies. Washington ordered Col. Knowlton a«d Maj. 
Leech, with a detachment, to get in their rear, while he amused them 
with preparations to attack them in front. The plan succeeded ; and 
although the brave Knowlton was killed, the rencontre was favourable 
to the Americans ; particularly as it served in some degree to restore 
that confidence in themselves, which their preceding misfortunes had 
destroyed. 

The British commander manoeuvered with great address to bring 
Washington to a general engagement; but not succeeding, he endea 
voured to destroy his communication with the eastern states, and pre 
vent his supply of provisions from that quarter. To efiect this, it 
was necessary to occupy the two roads leading e;ist. ITie one on the 
coast, the British secured with little difficulty ; but to occupy the rnore 
inland road, they must get possession of that post of the 

Oct. 28. highlands, called White Plains. Washington, aware of 
Battle of White , . , • , , , . i , 

Plains. their object, removed his own force to that place, where, 

on the 28th of October, he was attacked by the British 

and Hessians, under generals Howe, Clinton, Knyphausen, and De 

Heister. A partial engagement ensued, in which the loss on both 


gain an advan¬ 
tage. 






REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


191 


sides was considerable. Howe could not, however, draw Washington 
from his position; which he maintained, until a strong British rein¬ 
forcement arriving under Lord Percy, he dared not any longer risk his 
army, but, on the night of the 30th, he withdrew his forces to North 
Castle. Leaving here 7,500 men, under Gen. Lee, he crossed the 
Hudson, and took post near Fort Lee. 

Gen. Howe next turned his attention towards ihe forts Washington 
and Lee, which had been garrisoned, with the hope of preserving the 
command of the Hudson river. Gen. Washington, foreseeing their 
danger, had written to Gen. Greene, who commanded in that quarter, 
that if he should find Fort Washington not in a situation to sustain an 
assault, to cause it instantly to be evacuated. Gen. Greene, believing 
it might be maintained, left it under the command of the brave 
Col. Magaw, with a force of 2,700 men. On the 16th of November, 
the British attacked the fort in four different quarters. The Americans 
repelled them with such bravery, that, in the course of the day, about 
1,200 of the assailants were killed or wounded. At 
length, the Americans were forced to capitulate; but Nov. 16. 
not without securing to themselves honourable terms. 

The prisoners taken by the British, at this time, amounted 

to about 2,000, a greater number than had, on any previous occasion, 

fallen into their hands. 

The British army immediately crossed the Hudson, to ^ 
attack Fort Lee; but the garrison, apprised of their ap- Fort Lee eva- 
proach, evacuated the fort, and, under the guidance of c«ated, 

Gen. Green, joined the main army at Newark. 

The acquisition of these two forts, and the diminution of the Ameri¬ 
can army, by the departure of those soldiers whose term of service 
had expired, encouraged the British to hope, that they should be 
able to annihilate, with ease, the remaining force of the republicans. 

Washington still pursued the policy of avoiding an en- 

® » ' u- Washington re- 

gagement, as the only hope ot preserving his little army, treats across 

which, at this time, amounted to only three thousand. cloTely^imrsued 

Finding himself, in the post which he had taken at- 

Newark, too near his triumphant foe, he removed to Brunswick. The 
same day, Cornwallis, with a part of the British army, entered Newark. 
Washington again retreated from Brunswick to Princeton, and thence 
to Trenton. The British still pursuing, he finally crossed the Dela¬ 
ware, into Pennsylvania. 

General Howe appears, on this occasion, to have ma- deficient 

nifested himself deficient in the energy and promptitude in energy, 
of the military character, as, with an army of sixfold 
numerical force, and tenfold efficient strength, comprised of disciplined 
troops, in health and vigour, ably commanded, completely equipped 






192 


HISTORY OF THE 


and furnished, and elated with success, he did not commence the pur¬ 
suit till four days after the capture of forts Washingtoii and Lee. On 
the 28th of November, as the American rear-guard left Newark at one 
end of the town, the British van entered it at the other; and at any 
time after this, until Washington crossed the Delaware, by a single 
forced march, they might have overtaken, and destroyed his army. 
But forced marches were not ordered by Gen. Howe; and when he 
arrived at the Delaware, where he had hoped to overtake the Ameri¬ 
cans, the last boat, with the baggage, was crossing the river. The 
British general, not choosing, however, to take the trouble of construct¬ 
ing flat-bottomed boats, for carrying over his troops, and the Ameri¬ 
cans having been careful not to leave theirs for his accommodation, he 
Position of the arranged his German troops, to the number of 4,000, 
British forces. along the Delaware, from Holly to Trenton; placed a 
strong British force at Princeton; stationed his main 
army at Brunswick, and retired himself to New-York, to wait for the 
river to freeze, that thus he might be furnished with a convenient 
bridge; not doubting, as it would seem, but that the Americans would 
quietly wait until he was ready to pass over and destroy them. 


SECTION III. 

1776. Washington showed how well he deserved the confi- 

Distress of dence reposed in him, by making every exertion to in- 
Washington’s , . , • , ^ , • 

army. crease his army, which, leeble as it was when he com- 

menced his retreat, had hourly diminished. His troops 
were unfed amidst fatigue; unshod, while their bleeding feet were 
, forced rapidly over the sharp projections of frozen ground ; while’they 
endured the keen December air, almost without clothes or tents. In 
such a situation, the wonder is not, that many died and many deserted, 
but that enough remained to keep up the show of opposition. In this 
distressing situation, Washington manifested to his troops all the firm¬ 
ness of the commander, while he showed all the tenderness of the 
father. He visited the sick, paid every attention in his power to the 
wants of the army, praised their constancy, represented their sufferings 
to congress, and encouraged their despairing minds, by holding out the 
prospects of a better future ; while the serene and benignant counte¬ 
nance with which he covered his aching heart, made them believe that 
that their beloved and sagacious ^commander was himself animated 
with the prospects which he portrayed to them. 




REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


193 


The distresses of the Americans were increased by the desertion of 
many of the supposed friends of their cause. Howe, taking advantage 
of what he corisidsred their vanquished and hopeless condition, offered 
free pardon to all who should now declare for the royal authority. Of 
the extremes of society, the very rich and the very poor, numbers now 
sued for the royal clemency ; but few of the middle class deserted their 
country in its hour of peril. 

Gen. Lee, as has been before stated, was, by the orders of Wash-^ 

ington, separated from the main body of the army, soon after the battle 

of White Plains. He was sent northerly, to be at hand to succour the, 

troops which were opposed to Carleton, upon the lakes. But when 

Washington found the main army in danger of annihila- 

^ IIb receives rc* 

tion, he ordered Lee to join him..||?.ith all possible expe- inforcements. 
dition. Gen. Mercer, who commanded a corps of light 
infantry at Bergen, and Gen. Gates, who commanded on the northern 
frontier, received similar orders, and promptly obeyed them. Wash¬ 
ington had also sent in various directions to arouse the militia. Gen. 
Mifflin, from Pennsylvania, had now joined him with a body of 1,500. 
Lee’s division was also united to the main army ; but it was under the 
conduct of Gen. Sullivan. Gen. Lee had not promptly executed the 
orders of Washington, but had lingered along the northern mountains 
of New Jersey ; where, having taken up his quarters at 
a house distant from the main body of his army, he was 
surprised, and carried prisoner to New-York, by a party 
of British cavalry, when Sullivan, as before stated, con- 
ducted his forces to Washington’s camp. 

With these reinforcements, the American army amounted to about 
7,000 effective men. A few days, however, would close the year, and 
the period of enlistment for a considerable portion of the soldiers would 
expire witli it. The cause of America demanded that important use 
should be made of the short space which intervened. At this critical 
moment, Washington formed the bold resolution of re-crossing the De¬ 
laware, and attacking the British at Trenton. It has been remarked, 
that the British force extended on the left bank of the 
Delaware, from Trenton to Holly, below Burlington. 

Washington designed to cross his army over the river, 

in three divisions;—at Makonkey’s ferry, at Trenton - 

ferry, and at Bristol, in order to attack the posts at Trenton and Bur- 
lington. The forces to cross at the two last places, commanded by 
Irving and Cadwallader, were unable, owing to the quantity of ice, to 
proceed. The main body, under Washington, crossed at Makonkey’s 
ferry. This force was separated into two divisions, commanded by 
Sullivan and Greene; under whom were Lord Sterling, generals Mer¬ 
cer and St. Clair. One division taking the upper road, the other^ the 

25 


Dec. 13. 

Gen. Lee made 
prisoner. 


Dec. 26. 

Washington de¬ 
feats the Hes¬ 
sian sat Trenton. 





HISTORY OF THE 


19 i 


Pennington road, they arrived at Trenton at the same moment. The 
Hessians, under Colonel Rahl, were surprised, and their commander 
slain. Prisoners, to the amount of 1,000, were taken by the Ameri¬ 
cans, who immediately re-crossed the Delaware. The joy, caused by 
this su’ccess, was great; and it was unalloyed by that sorrow, which 
even victory generally brings. The Americans had scarcely lost a 
man ; and many were induced, by this success, to serve six weeks 
longer. Two days after the action, Washington took quarters at 
Trenton. 


1777. 


Lord Cornwallis was, at this time, in New-York, on 
the point of embarking for England ; but, on receiving 
news of this event, he returned instantly to New Jersey, and joined the 
British forces; which were assemblediat Princeton. Leaving a part of 
his troops at this place, he immediately proceeded towards Trenton, 
with the intention of giving battle to the Americans, and arrived, with 
his vanguard on the first of January. 

Washington, knowing the inferority of his force, sensible, too, that 
flight would be almost as fatal as defeat, conceived the project of 
marching to Princeton, and attacking those who were left in that place. 
About midnight, leaving his fires burning briskly, that his army should 
not be missed, he silently decamped, and gained, by a circuitous route, 

Jan 3 enemy. At sun-rise, the van of the 

Washington de- American forces met, unexpectedly, two British regi- 
ments. A conflict ensued : the Americans gave way :— 
- all was at stake ; and Washington himself, at this deci¬ 
sive moment, led on the main body. The enemy were routed, and 
fled. Instead of pursuing them, Washington pressed forward towards 
Princeton, where one regiment of the enemy yet remained. A part 
of these saved themselves by flight; the remainder, about 300 in num¬ 
ber, were made prisoners. The number killed, on the side of the 
British, was upwards of one hundred ; that of the Americans, was less ; 
but, among them, was the brave General Mercer, with several other 
valuable officers. 

On hearing the cannonade from Princeton, Cornwallis, apprehensive 
for the safety of his Brunswick stores, immediately put his army in 
Washin<^ton re- place. Washington, on the approach of 

tires to Morris- Cornwallis, retired to Morristown. When somewhat 

_ refreshed, he again took the field ; and having taken 

possession of Newark, Woodbridge, Elizabethtown, and indeed of all 
the enemy’s posts in New Jersey, except Brunswick and Amboy, he 
retired, on the 6th of January, to secure quarters at Morristown. 

In order to give a connected view of the important operations of the 
main armies, events have been omitted, which, had the order of lime 
been strictly observed, would have been sooner inserted. 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


195 


Dec. 8. 

British take pos¬ 
session of Rhode 
Island. 


Oct. 4. 

Articles of con¬ 
federation adop¬ 
ted by congress. 


On the 11th of October, the Northern American force, 1776. 
under Gen. Arnold, and the British force, under Carle- 6)ct. 11. 
ton, met on lake Champlain, near the island of Valcour. on kke 

The American armament was entirely destroyed ; and _ 

Gen. Carleton, after proceeding to Crown Point, recon- 
noitered the posts at Ticonderoga and Mount Independence, and re¬ 
turned to winter quarters in Canada. 

On the same day on which Gen. Washington retreated 
over the Delaware, the British took possession of Rhode 
Island, and blockaded the squadron of Com. Hopkins, 
together with a number of privateers, at Providence. 

On the 12th of July, a committee, who had been ap¬ 
pointed by congress to prepare and digest a form of con¬ 
federation, reported certain articles, the discussion of 
which occupied a great share of the attention of congress, until their 
adoption, which did not occur until Nov. 15, 1777. They were subse¬ 
quently adopted by the several state governments. By. these articles 
it was agreed, that, on the first Monday of November in each year, a* 
general congress should be convoked, of deputies from each of the 
states, and invested with all the powers which belong to the sovereigns 
of other nations. These powers were set forth, and the limits between 
the authority of the state and national government as clearly defined, as 
was, at that time practicable. These articles gave to the nation the 
style of the “ United States of America.” They were called the Ar¬ 
ticles of Confederation, and formed the basis of the American govern¬ 
ment, until the adoption of the federal constitution. 

Never, perhaps, was a firmer or a wiser band of patriots, than that 
which composed the congress of ’76. They were environed with dif¬ 
ficulties which would have utterly discouraged men of weaker heads, or 
fainter hearts. They were without any power, except the power to 
recommend. They had an exhausted army to recruit, amidst a dis¬ 
couraged people, and a powerful and triumphant foe ; and all this, not 
merely without money, but almost without credit; for the bills, which 
they had formerly issued, had greatly depreciated, and 
were daily depreciating; yet, amidst all these discou- dates, 
ragements, they held on their course of patriotic exer- 
tion, undismayed. In order to provide pecuniary resources, they passed 
a law, authorizing the loan of five millions of dollars, at four per cent 
They also created a lottery; by which they hoped to raise the sum of 
one million five hundred thousand dollars. Desirous of inducing the 
French to espouse the American cause, they appointed, as commission¬ 
ers to the court of France, Benjamin Franklin, Silas Commissioners 
Deane, and Arthur Lee, whom they instructed to pro- 
cure arms and ammunition, and obtain permission to fit-- 







196 


HISTORY OF THE 


out American vessels in the ports of France, to annoy the commerce 
of England. They directed them to solicit a loan of ten millions of 
francs,* and to endeavour, by every means in their power, to prevail 
upon the French government, to recognise the independence of the 
United States. 

Congress invest To Gen. Washington they granted, for six months, 
Washington powers which were almost dictatorial. They gave him 

with extraordi- * . . . i /> • 

nary powers. authority to levy and organise sixteen battalions ot in- 

fantry, in addition to those already voted by congress, 
and to appoint their officers; to raise and equip three thousand light 
horse, three regiments of artillery, and a corps of engineers, and to 
establish their pay. They empowered him to call into service the 
militia ot the several states; to displace and appoint all officers under 
the rank of brigadier general, and to fill up all vacancies in every depart¬ 
ment of the American army. They also authorized him to take what¬ 
ever he might want for the use of the army, at his own price, even if the 
inhabitants should refuse to sell it; and to arrest and confine persons, 
who should refuse to take the continental money, returning their names, 
and the nature of their offences, to the states of which they were citi¬ 
zens. This confidence in their defender, entitled them to find, (and 
they did find,) one who was devoted to their cause. 


SECTION IV. 


CAMPAIGN OF 1777. 


The inhabitants of New Jersey were so exasperated 
|j:xcesLI3''the excesses, which the English and Hessians had 

English army. committed, that those troops, now occupying Brunswick 
and Amboy, could not venture out even to forage, with¬ 
out extreme danger. Gen. De Heister had not attempted to suppress 
his licentious soldiery; and the English soon vied with the Germans 
in all scenes of violence, outrage, cruelty, and plunder ; and New Jer¬ 
sey presented only scenes of havoc and desolation. The complaints of 
America were echoed throughout Europe ; and it was every where re¬ 
proachfully said, that “ England had revived in America, the fury of 
the Goths, and the barbarity of the northern hordes.” 

Revolt of the period, the loyalists, more commonly distin- 

royalists appre- guished by the appellation of tories, evinced a spirit of 
headed. _ revolt, in the counties of Somerset and Wooster, in Mary. 


* 1,875,000 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


197 


Small pox pre¬ 
vails in Wash¬ 
ington’s army. 


land ; of Sussex, in Delaware ; and of Albany, in New-York; to which 
places troops were sent, to overawe them. 

The small pox, which had made such ravages in the 
northern army, during the last year, now threatened that 
of Washington. To prevent the loss of lives, from this 
source, both regulars and militia were inoculated ; but 
so prudently did Washington conduct this affair, that no opportunity 
was, in consequence, offered for the British to attack his camp. 

''riie first attempts of the enemy, during the campaign 23 

of 1777, Avere against the American stores, collected at British take 
Courtland Manor, in New-York, and at Danbury, in lanTMano^*^ 

Connecticut. Peekskill, the port of the Manor, was then - 

in command of Col. M’Dougal. The 23d of March, the British, under 
Col. Bird, attacked this post; and M’Dougal, knowing his few men 
could not defend it, destroyed the magazines, and retired to the back 
country. 

The 25th of April, 2,000 men, under Gov. Tryon, major of the roy¬ 
alists, or tories,* having passed the sound, landed between Fairfield and 
Norwalk. The next day, proceeding to Danbury, he compelled the gar¬ 
rison, under Col. Huntington, to retire; and not only destroyed the 
stores, but burned the town. 

Meantime, 800 militia had collected to annoy them, on 
their return; of whom 500, under Arnold, took post at 
Ridgefield, to attack their front, while 300, under Gen. 

Wooster, fell upon their rear. Both parties were repul¬ 
sed, Wooster slain, and Arnold retired to Saugatuck, about three miles 
east of Norwalk. The enemy having spent the night at Ridgefield, set 
fire to it, still retreating, although continually harassed by Arnold’s 
party, now increased to 1,000; until they at length arrived at Campo, 
between NorAvalk and Fairfield, and took refuge on board their ships. 
The British loss was 170, the xVmerican 100. Of the stores taken, the 
loss of tents was the most severely felt by the Americans. From the 
promptitude with which the inhabitants rose on the marauders, who ex¬ 
pected many to join them, the friends of liberty had their hopes invi¬ 
gorated, and their exertions encouraged. 

The same effect was also produced by another af¬ 
fair which occurred soon after. The British had col¬ 
lected at Sag Harbour, on Long Island, immense maga¬ 
zines of forage and grain. Col. Meigs, one of the in- - 

trepid companions of Arnold, in the expedition to Canada, left Guil- 


April 2G. 

Gen. 7’rycn de¬ 
stroys stores at 
Danbury. 


May 23. 

}']xploit of Col. 
Meigs at Sag 
Harbour. 


* The remark is often made by those who remember the war of the revolution, that the 
tories were more cruel enemies than the British, and committed more wanton outrages on 
life and property. 






198 


IHS rORY OF THE 


ford, on the 23d of May, with 170 men, destroyed the stores, burned a 
dozen brigs and sloops, lulled six of the enemy, took ninety prisoners^ 
and returned without loss. 

About this time the effects of the mission to France 
Effects of the began to appear. Congress had, with great judgment, 
Franck. selected Dr. Franklin as one of the commissioners. A 

^ profound knowledge of human nature, united with a warm 
and cheerful benevolence, had given to this philosopher a manner pos¬ 
sessing a peculiar charm, attractive to all, however different their taste 
or pursuits. His wit and gayety, even at seventy, the age at which he 
went to Paris, had power to charm the young beauty from her lovers 
and her toilette ; while his wisdom and his learning could instruct the 
mechanic in his own trade, or the statesman, in his profoundest calcu¬ 
lations. Perhaps it is equally to these qualities in Franklin, as to the 
graver wisdom and more heroic valour of Washington, that America 
owes her existence as a nation ; for it must ever remain problematical, 
whether, without the aid of France, it could have achieved its inde¬ 
pendence ;—and although political reasons might have operated to 
make France wish evil to England, yet without the interest, which 
Franklin found means to excite for America, the government might 
never have effectually interfered. 

This interest was so lively, that several individuals of distinction took 
the generous resolution of embarking in the cause of America, and 
combating in her armies. The most distinguished of these, was the 
La Fa ett e Marquis de la Fayette. With every thing to at- 

pouses the cause tach him to his country, rank, wealth, a deserving and 
beloved bride, he was yet moved by compassion to suf- 

- fering virtue, and by indignation against oppression, to 

leave all that was individually dear, to expose his life, and impair his 
fortune in the cause of American liberty, and the rights of man. He 
had early communicated his resolution to the commissioners. After 
hearing of the disasters which followed the battle of Long Island, they 
felt bound to communicate to him the despairing state of their country; 
and also that such was its extreme poverty, that they could not even 
provide him with a vessel for his conveyance. “ Then,” said Fayette, 
“ if your country is indeed reduced to this extremity, this is the moment 
that my departure to join its armies, will render it the most essential ser¬ 
vice.” His arrival caused a deep sensation of joy among the people. 
Congress appointed him a major general in the army ; and Washington 
received him into his family, and regarded him with parental affection. 

The American commander, in forming such a probable calculation 
on the movements of his enemy at New-York, as would enable him to 
make a judicious disposition of his own army, which now amounted to 
8,000 effective men, was well aware that there were two objects of 




REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


199 


surpassing magnitude to the British. The one was, to get possession 
of Philadelphia; and the other, to proceed up the Hudson and form a 
junction with the northern army, and thus cut off the communication 
between the eastern and southern states. His sagacious mind com¬ 
prehended that the latter was the most important enterprse; and he 
knew that it best coincided with the orders which Howe had received 
from England. He was, therefore, inclined to believe, that such would 
be his course; but he also knew, that Howe had, the preceding year, 
manifested a disposition to follow his own plans, rather than those of 
the ministry; and that it was a favourite project with him, to draw the 
Americans into a general engagement, not doubting but that it would 
issue in their final discomfiture. Washington, therefore, sought to 
make such a disposition of his forces, as should best enable him to con¬ 
centrate them in opposition to the British commander, whichever way 
he should turn. He removed the main army from Morris, 
town, and took a strong position at the heights of Mid- 
dlebrook, and stationed the troops raised in the northern 
provinces, at Peekskill and Ticonderoga, and those from 
the middle and southern, in New-Jersey. 

Howe commenced his operations by an attempt, which 
the time wasted in his last campaign, might have taught 
him, would be fruitless ;—that of drawing the American 
comander into a general engagement. For this purpose, 
he crossed the Hudson, and marched to Middlebrook ; but finding the 
American camp too strong to attack, he remained several days before 
it, vainly offering battle. Finding that Washington could not be thus 
induced to leave his entrenchments, he made a feint to induce him to 
believe that he was going to attack Philadelphia, by detaching, first, 
several parties, and, finally, his whole army, towards the Delaware. 
But, failing in these attempts, to draw W’^ashington from his camp, as 
though nothing further could be effected, on the 19th of June he or- 
dered a precipitate retreat from Jersey. Having arrived at Amboy, 
the bridge designed for the Delaware was thrown hastily over to Staten 
Island, and all the heavy baggage, and many of the Washington de¬ 
troops passed it. Even Washington was for once de- quUs h^s camp!’ 

ceived. He ordered his army to the pursuit, and pro- - 

ceeded himself to Quibbletown, six miles nearer Amboy. Howe hav¬ 
ing thus at length succeeded in drawing Washington from his camp, 
recalled his troops during the night of the 25th, from the island to the 
continent; and the next day proceeded against the Americans in 
two parties—the right, or eastern, under Cornwallis, to proceed by 
W’oodbridge to Scotch Plains—the left, under Howe, to go by Me- 
tuckin. Howe was to attack the Americans at Quibbletown; Corn¬ 
wallis, to gain the heights at Middlebrook. 


Washington re¬ 
moves from Mor¬ 
ristown to Mid¬ 
dlebrook. 


Howe attempts 
to 3raw Wash¬ 
ington from his 
camp. 





HISTORY OF THE 


200 

June 26. After passing Middlebrook, Cornwallis attacked and 

Cornwallis de- (j 0 feated 700 American riflemen. The noise of the 
feats a party of . . i f 

Americans. firing instantly convinced Washington oi the design ot 

the English. He with celerity regained his camp at 

Middlebrook, and detached parties to secure his left, or eastern pass, 

which Cornwallis had designed to take. Washington being again 

within his strong hold, Howe and Cornwallis retired to Amboy, and 

passed with their army to Staten Island. 


SECTION V. 

CA3IPAIGN OF 1777. 

fCon tinned.] 

1777. Great preparations were now made by the English 

-at Staten Island and New-York; but whether their ob- 

ject was to co-operate by the Hudson, with the Canadian army, or to 
conquer Philadelphia, was indeterminable. 

j ^ On the night of July 10th, occurred the capture of 

Gen. Prescott General Prescott, then in command on Rhode Island, 

captured. Colonel Barton, with forty country militia under his 

command, proceeded from Warwick, ten miles in their 
whale boats, landed between Newport and Bristol, marched a mile to 
Prescott’s quarters, took the general from his bed, and conducted him 
with despatch to a place of safety on the main land. 

Meantime great preparations were making for a descent upon the 
United States from Canada. The plan of dividing the states, by ef¬ 
fecting a junction of the British army through lake Champlain and the 
Hudson, was, at the beginning of .this year, looked to by the whole 
British nation, as the certain means of effecting the reduction of Ame¬ 
rica. This plan had gained new favour in England, by the represen¬ 
tations of General Burgoyne, an oflicer who had served under Carle- 
ton, and whose knowledge of American affairs was therefore undis¬ 
puted. Burgoyne, by his importunities with the British ministry, ob. 
tained the object for which he had made a voyage to England. He 
Burgoyne ar- appointed to the command of all the troops in Ca- 

rives with a nada, to the prejudice of Governor Carleton, and was 
Quebec. furnished with an army and military stores. With these 

he arrived at Quebec in May. General Carleton exhi- 






REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


201 


bited an honourable example of moderation and patriotism, by second¬ 
ing Burgoyne in his preparations, with great diligence and energy 
To increase the army, he exerted, not only his authority as governor, 
but also his influence among his numerous friends and partizans. 
Though himself averse to employing the savages, yet such being the 
orders of the British government, he aided in bringing to the field even 
a greater number than could be employed. 

Burgoyne’s army was provided with a formidable train of artillery. 
The principal officers who were to accompany him, were General 
Philips, who had distinguished himself in the German wars. Brigadiers 
Frazer and Powel; the Brunswick Major General Baron Reidesel, 
and Brigadier General Specht. The army consisted of 7,173 British 
and German troops, besides several thousands of Canadians and 
Indians. 

Burgoyne’s plan of operation was, that Col. St. Leger should pro¬ 
ceed with a detachment by the St. Lawrence, Oswego, and fort Stan- 
wix, to Albany. Burgoyne, proceeding by Champlain and the Hud¬ 
son, was to meet St. Leger at Albany, and both join General Clinton 
ut New-York. 

His preparations completed, Burgoyne moved forward j^nc 20 
with his army, and made his first encampment on the Burgoyne en- 
wcstern shore of lake Champlain, at the river Boquet. camps at the 

^ ^ , river Boquet, 

Here, in two instances, he betrayed that vanity which and issues a 

his biographers consider the characteristic weakness of 
his character. He made a speech to his Indian allies, 
in which, in terms of singular energy, and with an imposing manner, 
he endeavoured to persuade them to change their savage mode of war¬ 
fare. He also published a proclamation, in which, by arguments, pro¬ 
mises, and threats, (threats of savage extermination !) he seemed to 
ex})ect tliat he should bring the republicans to the royal standard ; as 
if words which he should speak, could change the natural character, 
and established manners of a nation: or those which he could write, 
could have power to subvert the purpose of men, whom all the previous 
measures of his government had failed to intimidate. 

St. Leger had united with Sir John Johnson, and hav- Aug. 3. 
ing nearly 2,000 troops, including savages, they invested yestg^port s\an- 
fort Stanwix, then commanded by Col. Gansevoort, on wix. 
the 3d of August. Gen. Herkimer, having collected the 
militia, marched to the relief of Gansevoort; but he fell Gei^nlrkiLer 
into an English ambuscade on the 6th of August, and is defeated, 
was defeated and slain, with 400 of his troops. St. 

Leger, wishing to profit by his victory, pressed upon the fort. In this 
perilous moment, Col. Willct and Lieut. Stockton left the fort, fighting 
tlicir way through the English camp, and, eluding the Indians, they 

26 





202 HISTORY OF THE 

arrived at German Flats, and proceeded to Albany, to alarm the coun¬ 
try, and gain assistance. 

Gen. Schuyler, on hearing the danger of the fort, de- 
St Le-^i-returns ^patched Arnold to its relief. On hearing of his ap- 
to Montreal. proacli, the Indians, having previously become dissatis¬ 
fied, mutinied, and compelled St. Leger to return to Mon¬ 
treal. On the way, they committed such depredations on the British 
troops, as to leave the impression that they were no less dangerous as 
allies than as enemies. 

To preserve a connected view of the expedition of St. Leger, we 
have gone nearly two months ahead of the operations of Burgoyne. 
On the 30th of June, that general advanced to Crown Point, from 

July 5 whence he proceeded to invest Ticonderoga, which was 

Burgoyne in garrisoned by 3,000 men, under the command of Gen, 
vests Ticoiidc ^ • mi • *1 

roga, which is ^t. Clair. Ihis was a place oi great natural strength, 
tire Tme^rtcans much expense and labour had been bestowed upon 

- its fortifications; but up to this period, a circumstance 

respecting it seems to have been strangely overlooked. It is com¬ 
manded by an eminence in its neighbourhood, called mount Defiance. 
The troops of Burgoyne got possession of this height on the 5th of 
July, and St. Clair, finding the post no longer tenable, evacuated it on 
the same night. The garrison, separated into two divisions, were to 
proceed through Hubbardton to Skcencsborough. The first division, 
under St. Clair, left the fort in the night, two hours earlier than the 
second, under Colonel Francis. The stores and baggage, placed on 
board 200 batteaux, and conveyed by five armed gallies, were to meet 
the army at Skeenesborough. 

July 7. ^he British, pursued and at- 

Disastrous af- tackcd the division at Hubbardton, under Col. Francis, 
liardton. whose rear was commanded by Col. Warner. The Ame- 

-ricans made a brave resistance, during which 130 of the 

enemy were killed ; but the British, in the heat of the action, receiv¬ 
ing a reinforcement under Reidesel, the republicans were forced to 
give-way. They fled in every direction, spreading through the coun¬ 
try the terror of the British arms. In this unfortunate action, the Ame¬ 
ricans lost in killed, wounded, and prisoners, nearly 1,000 men. Many 
of the wounded perished in the woods. Col. Francis was among the 
slain. 

A part of the stores and armed galleys, which had 

.July 12. gent up the lake, fell into the hands of the British. 

St. Clair reaches ^ • 

fort Edward. ot. Clair, on nearing oi these disasters, did not pursue 

“ his intended route, but struck into the woods on his left. 

At Manchester, he was joined by the remnant of the vanquished divi¬ 
sion, conducted by Gen. Warner. After a distressing march, he reached 






REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


203 


the camp of Gen. Schuyler, at fort Edward. Warner remained in 
Manchester, with a detachment, which proved of great importance in 
the affair, which shortly after occurred at Bennington. 

Burgoyne, meanwhile, took possession of Skeenesbo- ,.g 

rough ; and the American army, under Schuyler, retired treats on the 
from fort Edward to Saratoga, and, on the 13th of Au- lurgoynl 
gust, to the islands at the mouth of the Mohawk. - 

This period of the history was gloomy to America, and triumphant 
to England. When the news of Burgoyne’s successes reached that 
country, the ministers were every where felicitated on the success of 
their plans ; and rejoicings were made, as though their object was al¬ 
ready attained. On the other hand, the Americans saw that the junc¬ 
ture was critical and alarming ; hut their spirit rose with the occasion, 
and their exertions increased with their danger. 

Gen. Schuyler, before leaving the northern positions, obstructed the 
roads, by breaking the bridges, and, in the only passable defiles, by cut¬ 
ting immense trees on both sides of the way, to fall cross and length- 
wise. These, with their branches interwoven, presented to the enemy 
aiylmost insurmountable barrier. 

Congress was aware of the great merits and exertions of Gen. Schuy¬ 
ler ; yet they found that the misfortunes of the army had, though un¬ 
deservedly, made him unpopular ; and, therefore, it was necessary to 
supersede him, in order to make way for a leader, who 
should inspire a confidence that would draw volunteers seded by Gates, 
to the service. Accordingly, Gen. Gates was appointed ' 
to the command, but did not arrive at the camp until the 21st of August. 
Lincoln also was ordered to tlie north, as were Arnold and Morgan, 
whose active spirits and brilliant achievements, it was hoped, would re¬ 
animate the dispirited troops. The celebrated patriot of Poland, Kosci 
usko, was also in the army, as its chief engineer. 

Burgoyne, having, with great expense -of labour and 
time, opened a way for his army, from Skeenesborough to |>^rgoyne^l!ich 
the Hudson, arrived at fort Edward, on the 3()th of July, es fort Edward. 
But being in a hostile country, he could obtain no provi- 
sions, but from Ticonderoga ; and thege he was compelled to transport 
by the way of lake George. Learning that there was a large depot 
of provisions at Bennington, he sent 500 men, under Lieut. Col. Baum, 
a brave German officer, to seize them. Gen. Stark, with a body of 
New Hampshire militia, was on his march to join Gen. Schuyler, when 
hearing of Baum’s approach, he recruited his forces from the neigbour- 
ing militia, and, with 1,600 men, met him four miles 
from Bennington. After a sharp conflict, Baum was def^^d 

killed, and his party defeated. The militia had dispersed, at Ben nington . 
€f} seek for plunder, when a British reinforcement of 500 






/ 


204 HISTORY OF THE 

^ men, under Col. Breymau, arrived. Fortunately for the Americans, 
the Green Mountain Boys, under Col. Warner, appeared at tiic same 
time, and the British were again defeated, and compelled to retreat. 
Their loss in both engagements was GOO, the greater part of whom were 
taken prisoners.* The republican loss was inconsiderable. 

The victory at Bennington was important in its consequences, as it 
proved the turning of that tide of fortune which had heretofore set so 
strongly in favour of the British arms. It ernbarrased, weakened, and 
dispirited Burgoyne, while it revived the drooping hearts of the Ameri¬ 
cans, and gave the impulse of hope to their exertions. This was 
strengthened by an impulse of another kind, but operating in the same 
direction. A cry of vengeance for murder was raised against the Bri- 
Murder of Miss on account of ail atrocious act, committed by their 

_ Indian allies. Miss M’Crea, an interesting girl of fort 

Edward, was betrothed to Captain Jones, then in the army of Burgoyne, 
which had now approached near to that place. Impatient for his mar¬ 
riage, the lover sent a party of Indians, as the safest convoy he could 
procure for his bride, across the woods to the British camp; having 
secured, as he thought, their fidelity, by promise of reward. Confiefing 
love prevailed, in her mind, over her strong fears of these terrmle 
guides; and the unfortunate girl left, by stealth, tlie kind shelter of her 
paternal roof. Meantime, her anxious lover, to make her safety more 
sure, sent out another party, with like promises. The two met; and 
the last demanded that the lady should be committed to them. Rather 
than give her up, and thus, as they supposed, lose their reward, the 
barbarians tied to a tree, their innocent and helpless victim, and shot 
her dead. Instead of his bride, the bridegroom received the bleeding 
tresses, which the murderers had cut from her dying head. The sight 
withered and blasted him ; and, after lingering a few years, he died. 

The complicated miseries of a battle crowd the picture, and confuse 
the mind, and thus often produce less sympathy than a single case of 
distress. In the present instance, every man could feel, what it would 
have been, or would be to him, to have his bride torn, as it were, from 
his arms, shrieking, and murdered in the hour of his love and expecta¬ 
tion ; and every pains was used to awaken these sympathies to their 

* After the battle of Bennington, the Hessian prisoners were carried into the village, and 
distributed into public buildings and out-houses. The meeting house was filled to crowding. 
The next day, an alarm was suddenly given to the women of the village, to take their chil¬ 
dren and flee. The Hessians, it was said, were rising on their guard. They were rushing 
in all directions out of the meeting house. The guard fired, and killed five of them. But 
the fears of the inhabitants were suddenly changed to compassion. The galleries were giving 
way. In danger of being crushed to death, the unfortunate men rushed out, and met the fire 
of a. guard, who could not understand from their foreign speech, their explanation of the dis- 
ijrdej-. This anecdote was related to me by a venerable matron, then a young lady and an 
inhabitant of Bennington. ^ 



REPDliLIO OF AMERICA. 


205 


utmost extent, and turn tlicm against tl)e Britisli commander, who had 
let loose such bloodhounds upon the land. There was a general rising 
in the northern region, and it seemed, as if every man, who could bear 
arms, was rushing to the camp of Gates, to avenge the death of the 
young M’Crea, no less than to deliver bis country. 

The army at the islands, having been thus reinforced, and now 
amounting to 5,000,^ Gates left that encampment, the 8th 
of September, and proceeding to Stillwater, occupied at^Stniwater”^^* 
Rehnius heights. ’ - 


Bur^oyiie en¬ 
camps at Sara¬ 
toga. 


Sep. 19. 
Battle of Still¬ 
water. 


On the 12th, Burgoyne crossed the Hudson, and on the 
14th, encamped at Saratoga, about three miles distant 
from the American army. An obstinate and bloody battle 
occurred at Stillwater, on the 19th. At first it was partial, 
commencing with a skirmish between the advanced par¬ 
ties. Each side sent successive reinforcements to their 
own combatants, until nearly the whole were in action. The American 
combatants took advantage of a wood which lay between the two camps, 
and poured from it a fire too deadly to be withstood. The British 
lines broke ; and the Americans, rushing from their coverts, pursued 
them to an eminence, where their Hanks being supported, they rallied : 
charging in their turn, they drove the Americans into the woods, from 
which they again poured a deadly fire, and again the British fell back 
At every charge, the British artillery fell into the hands of the Ame¬ 
ricans, who could neither carry it otf, or turn it on the enemy. At 
length night came on, and to fight longer, would be to attack indiscru 
minately friends and foes. The Americans retired to their camp, hav¬ 
ing lost between 3 and 400 men ; the loss of the British was 500. Bouj 
sides claimed the victory ; but the advantage gained was clearly on 
the side of the Americans. 

Skirmishes, frequent and animated, occurred between 
this and the 7th of October, wlien a general battle was 
fought at Saratoga. At this time, the right wing of Gen. 

Gates occupied the brow of the hill, near the river. This camp was in 
the form of the segment of a large circle, the convex side towards tne 


Oct. 7 

Battle neai- 
Saratoga. 


enemy / 

Gen. Burgoyne’s left was on the river, his right extending at rigni 
angles to it, across the low grounds, about two hundred yards, to a range 
of steep heights, occupied by his choicest troops. The guard of his 
camp upon the high grounds, was given to Brigadiers Hamilton and 
Specht; that of the redoubts and plain, near tiie river, to Brigadier 
Gole. Burgoyne commanded in person the centre detachment of 
1,500, and was seconded by Philips, Reidcscl, and Frazer. His left 
flank, composed of grenadiers, was commanded by Maj. Ackland ; his 
right consisting of infantry, by the carl of Balcarras. 






20G 


HISIWY OF THE 


The Americans, under Gen. Poor, attacked the left flank and front 
of the British; and, at the same time, Col. Morgan attacked their right. 
The action became general. The efiorts of the combatants were des¬ 
perate. Burgoyne, and his officers, fought like men who were defend- 
ing, at the last cast, their military reputation ; Gates and his army, like 
those wlio were deciding whether their native land should be free, or be- 

British defeated prey of invaders. The invadmg army gave way, 

-- in the short space of ‘fifty-two minutes. The defenders 

of the soil pursued them to their entrenchments, forced the guard, and 
killed Col. Breymaii, its commander. Arnold, the tiger of the Ameri¬ 
can army, whose track was marked by carnage, headed a small band, 
stormed their works, and followed them into their camp. But his horse 
was killed under him ; he was himself wounded; and darkness was 
coming on. He retired ; and thus was reserved to another day, the 
utter ruin of the British army. 

The loss in killed and wounded, was great on both sides, but espe¬ 
cially on the part of the British, of whom a considerable number were 
made prisoners. Gen. Frazer, whose character was as elevated as his 
rank, received a mortal wound. 

0 ^^ g The Americans had now an opening into the British 

Burgoyne Camp. They rested on their arms the night after the 

poSfon. battle, on the field which they had so bravely won ; de- 

-- termined to pursue their victory with returning light. 

But Burgoyne, aware of the advantage which they had gained, effected, 
with admirable order, a change of his ground. The artillery, the 
camp, and its appurtenances, were all removed before morning, to the 
heights. The British araiy, in this position, had the river in its rear, 
and its two wings displayed along the hills upon its right bank. Gates 
was too wise to attack his enemy in this })osition, and expose to another 
risk, what now wanted nothing but vigilance to make certain. He 
now made arrangements to enclose his enemy, which Burgoyne per¬ 
ceiving, put his army in motion at nine o’clock at night, and removed 
to Saratoga, six miles up the river. He was obliged to abandon his 
hospital with 300 sick and wounded, to the humanity of the Americans. 

Burgoyne now made efforts in various directions, to eflect a^etreat, 
but in every way he had been anticipated. He found himself in a hos¬ 
tile and foreign country, hemmed in by a foe, whose army constantly 
increasing, already amounted to four times his own wasting numbers. 
The boats, laden with his supplies, were taken, and his provisions were 
failing. He had early communicated with Sir Henry Clinton at New- 
York, and had urged his co-operation. More recently, when his for¬ 
tune began to darken, he had entreated him for'speedy aid ; stating, 
that, at the most, his army could not hold out beyond the 12th of Octo¬ 
ber. The 12th arrived, without the expected succour. His army was 
in the utmost distress, and Burgoyne capitulated on the seventeenth. 




REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


207 


The army surrendered amounted to 5,752 men, which, 
together with the troops lost before, by various disasters, 
made up the whole British loss to nine thousand two 
hundred and thirteen. There also fell into the hands 
of the Americans, thirty-five brass field pieces, and 5,000 muskets. It 
was stipulated, that the British should' pile their arms at the word of 
command, given by their own officers, march out of their camp with 
the honours of war, and have free passage across the Atlantic; they, on 
their j)art, agreeing not to serve again in North America, during the war 
They were treated with delicacy by the Americans. Their officers, 
especially their commander, received many kind attentions. The wor¬ 
thy Gen. Schuyler hospitably entertained Burgoyne, at his own house ; 
although much of his private property, especially an elegant villa, had 
been destroyed by command of that officer. 

On hearing of the defeat of Burgoyne, the British gar- Garrison of Ti 

risen at Ticonderoga, returned to Canada, and not a foe condcroga re- 
. . , . . ’ ^ ^ treat to Canada. 

remained m the northern section of the Union. Thus --— 

ended an expedition from which the British had hoped, and the Ame¬ 
ricans had feared so much. 

The effects of their success were highly propitious to the cause of 
the republicans. It weakened and discouraged the enemy, gave them 
a supply of artillery and stores, and, what was still more important, 
raised them in their own estimation, and in that of foreign nations. 

Connected in some degree, with Burgoyne’s invasion, 
was the predatory ej;cursion up the North River, in which 
the British took forts Clinton and Montgomery, and 
burned the village of Esopus, now Kingston. This excur- 
sion, commanded by Sir Henry Clinton, who was accoiii- 
panied by Try on and Vaughn, appears to have had the 
double object of opening a free navigation for the Bri¬ 
tish vessels, up the river to Albany, and of making a division of the 
American forces, which were now concentrated in opposition to Bur¬ 
goyne, and thus giving him an opportunity to escape. Had Clinton 
taken this step earlier, he might possibly have effected the latter object. 
As it was, Burgoyne had notice of the taking of the forts, and the ad¬ 
vance of Clinton, just after he had made a verbal agreement to sign 
the articles of capitulation ; when neither his honour, nor his humanity, 
would permit him longer to await the expected succour. 

Clinton, on hearing that Burgoyne had surrendered, and that Gates 
was advancing to attack him, evacuated and dismantled the forts which 
he had taken, and retreated to New-York, experiencing no other per¬ 
manent result of his expedition, than the execrations of a plundered 
people, and the character from having revived, in a civilized age, barba¬ 
rian atrocities. 


Oct. 6. 

Forts Clinton 
andMontgomery 
taken by the Bri¬ 
tish. 

Oct. 15. 

Kingston burned 


Oct. 17. 

Burgoyne sur¬ 
renders his ar¬ 
my. 






208 


HISTORY OF THE 


SECTION VI. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1777. 

[Continued.] 

Having now given a connected view of the momeii- 

-tons operations at the north, we go back nearly three 

months, in the order of time, to take a brief sketch of the less decisive 
transactions in the middle states. 

Admiral and Gen. Howe, intent on the capture of 
the cfhSapeaL. Philadelphia, left Sandy Hook, on the 23d of July. 

Washington Sailing up Chesapeake bay, they disembarked their 
crosses the Dela- amounting to 18,000, on the 25th of August, at the 

- head of the Elk river, fifty miles southwest of Philadel¬ 
phia. Washington, apprised of their movements, crossed the Dela¬ 
ware, determined to oppose them, notwithstanding his army was greatly 
diminished by the powerful detachments he had sent to check the alarm¬ 
ing progress of Burgoyne. 

Accompanied by generals Greene, Sullivan, Wayne, and Stirling, 
he approached the enemy, until he reached Gray’s Hill, in front of the 
British commanders, with whom were generals Knyphausen and Corn¬ 
wallis. He then retreated across the Brandywin^, and encamped on 
the rising grounds which extend from Chadsford, in a direction from 
northwest to southeast; and here, (the shallow stream of the Brandywine 
being between the armies,) he awaited an attack from the British; 
well knowing that nothing but a victory could now save Philadelphia. 
Early in the morning, on the 11th of September, the British army being 
drawn up in two divisions, commenced the expected as- 
J’ Agreeably to the plan of Howe, the right wing, 

dywine. Commanded by Knyphausen, made a feint of crossing 

the Brandywine, at Chadsford; while the left, commanded 
by Cornwallis, took a circuitous route up the Brandywine, and crossed, 
though not without opposition, at the forks. Knyphausen, with some 
fighting and much noise, had occupied tho attention of the Americans. 
Washington, learning the approach of Cornwallis, determined to press 
forward in the centre and on the left; and if possible, divide the army, 
and cut off Knyphausen. The false intelligence, that Cornwallis was 
not approaching, prevented his executing this bold design, which might 
have changed the fate of the day. He had already despatched some 
of his ofiicers, whom, by this fiilse intelligence, he was induced to recal. 
Thus time was consumed, and Cornwallis fell upon the Americans 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


209 


while they were in some measure unprepared to receive him. They, 
however, deferred themselves with great valour ; and the carnage was 
terrible. But they, at length, were forced to give way. 

Washington ordered to their aid, the reserve, commanded 

by Greene; but it was too late, and the most it could effect - 

was to cover the retreat of the fugitives. Knyphausen now began in 
earnest to effect his passage at Chadsford. The Americans withstood 
bravely; but finding the remainder of the army vanquished, they fled 
in confusion, and abandoned to the enemy their artillery and ammuni¬ 
tion. These fugitives also found a shelter within the lines of Greene, 
who was last to quit the field of battle. The Americans lost 300 killed, 
600 wounded, and 400 taken prisoners. The British loss, in killed and 
wounded, was less than five hundred. This battle was distinguished 
by the exertions of foreign officers. The heroic La Fayette, while en¬ 
deavouring to rally the fugitives, was wounded in the leg. Another 
French officer of distinction, the Baron St. Ovary, was made prisoner ; 
and Count Pulaski, a celebrated Polander, displayed a courage which 
congress afterwards rewarded with the rank of brigadier general. 

On the night succeeding the battle, the Americans re¬ 
treated to Chester, and the next day to Philadelphia. 

The following day, a detachment of British troops pro- 
ceeded to Wilmington, and took prisoner the governor of Delaware. 
They seized considerable property, public and private; among which 
was a quantity of coined money. 

Not disheartened by this defeat, Washington determined to risk an¬ 
other battle for the defence of the capital; and accordingly, repassed 
the Schuylkill, and met the enemy at Goshen ; but a violent shower of 
rain wet the powder in the ill-constructed cartridge boxes of the Arne- 
ricans, and compelled the commander to defer the engagement. The 
republicans were unfortunate in another attempt to annoy ^ 

the enemy. Washington had ordered Wayne, with a gou. Wayne is 
detachment of 1,500 men, into the rear of the British. 

This detachment was surprised; and a night scene of - 

shocking slaughter ensued, in which 300 of the Americans were cut off. 

Howe now made a movement, which placed Washington in a situa¬ 
tion where he could not interpose his army between the enemy and 
the capital, without exposing to destruction the extensive magazine of 
provisions and military stores which tad been established at Reading. 
Notwithstanding the clamours of the populace, he prudently abandoned 
the city, rather than sacrifice the stores, or risk another battle, while 
the odds were so much against him. 

Congress, finding themselves insecure in Philadelphia ’ Congress ad- 
adjourned to Lancaster, to which place the pul)hc ar- joum to Lan- 

chives and magazines were removed. Ihey again in-- 

27 






210 


HISTORY OF THE 


vested Washington with the same dictatorial powers which were in¬ 
trusted to him after the reverses in New-Jersey. 

On the 23d of September, Sir William Howe crossed the Schuylkill, 
and proceeded to Germantown. On the 26th, a detachment of the 
British army, under Cornwallis, entered the American capital, while 
the main body remained at Germantown. The American army, now 
consisting of eleven thousand men, were conducted by Washington 
along the left bank of the Schuylkill, and now lay encamped eleven 
miles from Germantown, at Schippack creek. 

Lord Howe had now consummated an event to which he had looked 
as decisive of the contest. But far from being subdued, the Americans 
were hot even disheartened. They knew that the army of Washington, 
when it should have received its reinforcements, could cut off the ene¬ 
my’s supplies on the side of Pennsylvania. If, therefore, they could 
prevent their receiving them by water, they would soon be compelled 
to evacuate the city. For this object, they had created batteries on 
Mud Island, and also at Red Bank and Billing’s Point, on the Jersey 
shore; along which places they had sunk ranges of frames, to impede 
the navigation of the river. The British, sensible of the importance 
of a free communication with the sea, by means of the Delaware, sent 
Col. Stirling, with a detachment, to attack Billing’s Point, and clear 
away the obstructions which the Americans had placed in the river; 
in which enterprise, they were ultimately successful. ^ 

The American commander, knowing that the army of Howe was 
weakened by the detachments under Cornwallis and Stirling, deter¬ 
mined, if possible, to surprise him. He accordingly left his camp at 
Schippack creek, at seven in the evening. The approach of the Ame¬ 
ricans was discovered by the British patroles. Wash- 

Oct. 4. ington’s army commenced the attack about sunrise. 

ISatllc of Cer- „ n i , ^ 

inaiitowu. k ortune at first favoured the arms of the Americans, and 

the British were compelled to retreat. But Col. Mus- 
grove, having thrown several companies into a stone house, they so an¬ 
noyed the Americans, that the pursuit was delayed. A part of the 
Pennsylvania militia did not perform the duty assigned them. A thick 
fog came on, which caused confusion in the American ranks. The 
British, thus enabled to recover from the first attack, aroused to fresh ex. 
Vmericans ^^tions; and the Americans were defeated. Their loss was 

defeated. ^00 killed ; among whom was Gen. Nash, of North Caro- 

- lina; 600 wounded, and 400 taken prisoners. The Bri- 
tish loss was 500; among their killed were colonels Agnew and Bird. 

The American army, with all its artillery, now retreated twenty 
miles to Perkiomy creek, and from thence, having received a reinforce¬ 
ment of 500 militia, Washington advanced to his old camp, at Schip- 




REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


211 


Howe enters 
Philadelphia. 


pack creek. Although the army had not effected what Washington re- 
its commander had hoped, yet so much skill and bravery to Schip- 
had been displayed, that its reputation was enhanced. ^-- 

Congress voted their thanks to the commander, and his officers and 
soldiers, except Gen. Stephens, who was cahsiered for misconduct on 
the retreat. 

A few days after the battle, the royal army removed ^ 

from Germantown to Philadelphia. Scarcity of provi¬ 
sions prevented Howe from following the Americans, 
and he wished to co-operate in the design of opening tlie navigation 
of the Delaware. ^ Indeed, this measure became necessary to the pre¬ 
servation of his army, which could not draw subsistence from the adja¬ 
cent country ; so effectually did the menacing attitude of Washington’s 
army operate, and also the edict of congress, which pronounced the 
penalty of death upon any citizen who should dare to afford him sup¬ 
plies. Thus situated, the British general found, as Dr. Franklin wit¬ 
tily remarked, that, “ instead of taking Philadelphia, Philadelphia had 
taken him.” 

To succeed in opening a communication with their fleet, it was ne¬ 
cessary that the British should possess themselves of Mud Island, which 
was defended by fort Mifflin, and fort Mercer, on Red 
Bank. Accordingly, a body of Hessians, under Col. 

TA , 1 1 1 T , , , , Attack on Red 

Donop, marched down the Jersey shore, and attacked Bank, 
fort Mercer with great impetuosity. It was defended 
by 400 men, under Col. Greene. The Americans withdrew within 
the fort, and made there a vigorous defence. The Hessian commander 
was mortally wounded, and his troops were repulsed with the loss of 
500 men. The remainder returned to Philadelphia. Their next at¬ 
tack was made upon Mud Island, by their shipping. 

This proved, at first, no more successful; and the Bri¬ 
tish lost two warlike vessels in the attempt. The Ame¬ 
ricans were, however, at length dislodged by an attack 
from an unexpected quarter. The British found means to erect a bat¬ 
tery on Province Island, a little above Mud Island, which commanded 
fort Mifflin. Their post thus becoming untenable, the Americans 
withdrew in the night from Mud Island, to fort Mercer, on Red Bank. 

To attack this fort, the British commander despatched Cornwallis 
with a strong detachment. In obedience to his orders, that general 
crossed the Schuylkill, followed down the Delaware to Chester, below 
the fort, then crossing to Billing’s Point, and receiving a reinforce- 
dlbnt from New-York, he thence ascended the river to ^ 
attack the fort in the rear. The Americans, apprised Americans eva- 
of his approach, evacuated the fort in the i;ear. The cuate fort Mer- 
American shipping, deprived of the protection of the - 


Nov. 16. 

Attack on Mud 
Island. 







212 


HISTORY OF THE 


forts, was now in great danger. Some vessels, under cover of night, 
passed the battery of Philadelphia, and sought safety further up the river; 
but the English taking measures to render the escape of the remain¬ 
der impracticable, the crews abandoned their vessels to the number of 
seventeen, and consumed them by fire. Lord Howe had now opened 
the navigation of the Delaware, so that he could communicate with 
his brother, the admiral. 

In the meanwhile, the victorious troops of the north had reinforcec 
the main army of the republicans; and Washington advanced within 
fourteen miles of Philadelphia to White Marsh, his army consisting of 
12,000 regulars, and 3,000 militia. Howe marched his army within 
three miles of his lines, and manceuvred to draw him from his entrench¬ 
ments; but Washington, though he did not shun the battle, chose to 
receive it within his lines. Howe finding him too cau- 
tious to be drawn out of his camp, and too strong to be 
attacked in it, withdrew his army and retired to winter 
quarters at Philadelphia. 

Washington, on the 11th of December, left White 
Marsh, and retired to Valley Forge. Hardly was the 
army established in their winter quarters, when the ma¬ 
gazines were found to contain scarcely a single day’s 
provision. As to their clothing, some few had one shirt, 
some the remnant of one, the greater part none at all. 
P>arefooted, on the frozen ground, their feet cut by ice, they left their 
tracks in blood. A few only had the luxury of a blanket at night. 
More than 3,000 were excused from duty, on account of cold and na¬ 
kedness. Straw could not be obtained, and the soldiers, who, during 
the day, were benumbed with cold, and enfeebled by hunger, had at 
night no other bed, than the humid ground. Diseases attacked them ; 
and the hospitals were replenished, as rapidly as the dead were carried 
out. The unsuitableness of the buildings, and the multitude of sick 
that crowded them, caused an insupportable fetor. Hospital fever en¬ 
sued. It could not be remedied by change of linen, for none could be 
had; nor by salubrious diet, as even the coarsest was not attainable; 
nor by medicines, as even the worst were wholly wanting. The hos¬ 
pitals resembled more receptacles for the dying, than places of refuge 
for the sick. 

T!ie patience with which these patriotic votaries of freedom endured 
such complicated evils, is, we believe, without a parallel in history. 
To go to battle, cheered by the trumpet and the drum, with victory or 
the speedy bed of honour before the soldier, requires a heroic effoiH^ 
much more to starve, to freeze, and to lie down and die, in silent obscu 
rity. Sparta knew the rmmes of the three hundred who fell for her at 
the pass of Thermopylae; but America knows not the names of the 
hundreds wlio perished for her in the camp of Valley Forge. 


Critish army go 
into winter quar¬ 
ters at Pliiladel- 
pliia. 


Dec. 11. 

Washington re¬ 
tires to winter 
quarters at Val- 
le,y Forge. 

Distress of the 
American army. 




REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


213 


SECTION VII. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1778. 

The melancholy state to which the army was reduced, 1778. 
was owing to several causes. The bills of credit had Causes Je 
diminished to one-fourth their nominal of value. A scar- army, 
city of linen cloth and leather prevailing througliout the 
country,^ the commissaries had contracted for supplies at ten per cent, 
above the current price. This proceeding, congress refused to sanc¬ 
tion ; but required that supplies should be furnished, and the bills re¬ 
ceived as specie. The consequence was, that these articles could not 
be procured. This was principally owing to the depreciation of paper 
money, and the advanced price on all articles of consumption ; hence, 
far from being able to live, as became their rank, the officers had not 
even the means of providing for their subsistence ; and many had al¬ 
ready expended their private fortunes, to maintain a respectable ap¬ 
pearance. Those who handed in their resignations were not the most 
worthless, but the bravest, most distinguished, and most spirited ; who, 
disdaining the degraded situation in which they were placed, left the 
army to escape it. 

This example of defection, set by his beloved officers, more than any 
of the other disasters of the army, wounded the parental heart of 
Washington. In the midst of these anxieties, that great man was 
called to suffer from those common foes of distingiiislied intrif^ues 
merit—envy and calumny. Intrigues were set in motion wSngton. 

against him; the object of which was to give him so- 

many occasions of disgust, that he should of himself retire from the 
head of the army; and thus make room for the promotion of Gates: 
whose success in the affair of Burgoyne, had raised his reputation to 
the highest pitch. Among the leaders of this combination, was Gen. 
Conway, a wily and restless intriguer. He besieged all the members 
of congress with insinuations that there was no order in the American 
camp, and that body, at length, appointed him inspector-general. 
Pennsylvania addressed a remonstrance to congress, censuring the 
measures of the commander-in-chief. The same was done by the 
members from Massachusetts, among whom was Samuel Adams. They 
were not pleased that the whole command devolved on a Virginian, to 
the exclusion of their generals, who were, in their opinion, equal, if 
not superior, to Washington. A board of war was created under Gates 
and Mifflin, both of whom were thought to be among the authors of the 
machinations against Washington. With the advice of this board, 




214 


HISTORY OF THE 


Expedition congress planned an expedition against Canada. Wash- 
cS^ada. ington was not consulted, but he was ordered to detach 

- La Fayette, with certain regiments, to perform the ser¬ 
vice. This order was promptly obeyed; but what he did, was all 
that was done. La Fayette was recalled from Albany, and the expe¬ 
dition was abandoned. 

Public indigna- It is imposssible to express, with what indignation the 
eneiS'of ^ wliole army and the best citizens were filled, on hearing 
Washington. machinations that were in agitation against their hon- 

"" oured chief. A universal cry arose against the intriguers. 

Conway, superseded by Baron Steuben, a Prussian officer, dared not 
show himself among the exasperated soldiers, and Samuel* Adams 
deemed it prudent to keep aloof from the army. Congress, thus made 
to see how deeply rooted the commander was in the affections of the 
army and people, and knowing also that he ranked high at foreign 
courts, became at length sensible of their error, and restored to Wash¬ 
ington a confidence which he had so hardly earned, and to which he 
was so justly entitled. 

During these machinations, Washington never once turned from his 
high career of suffering virtue, to notice his personal enemies. He 
had been indefatigable in urging congress to stop the defection of the 
officers, by securing to them some reward for their services. In accord¬ 
ance with his advice, a law was passed allowing them half pay for seven 
years after the close of the war. He also urged congress and the 
different state governments, to make early preperations for the ensuing 
campaign, that it might be commenced at the opening of the spring, be¬ 
fore the British reinforcements could arrive. But decisions are of ne¬ 
cessity tardily made in popular governments; hence, what ought to have 
been ready in the beginning of spring, was but scantily provided during 
the summer. 

Predatory ex- These delays might have been fatal to the army, had 
British. the British been in a condition to take the field early in the 

- season. As it was, they contented themselves with send- 

ing out their light troops to scour the country in the neighbourhood of 
Philadelphia. In March, a party of their soldiers massacred, in cool 
blood, while crying for quarter, the soldiers who were stationed at the 
bridges of Quinton and Hancock. 

Near the same time, another party undertook an expedition up the 
Delaware. They destroyed the magazines at Bordentown, and the ves¬ 
sels which the Americans had drawn up the river, between Philadel¬ 
phia and Trenton. 

May. In May, 2,000 men under La Fayette were posted at 

feats^a^Britfsh Baron Hill, about eight or ten miles in front of the army, 
detachment. at Valley Forge, to form an advanced guard, and be ii 
- readiness to annoy the British rear, in case they ai 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


215 


tempted to retreat to New-York. The whole British army came out 
of Philadelphia, and a detachment of 5,000 men, under Gen. Grant, 
was sent to surprise and destroy the force under La Fayette. In the be- 
ginning of the engagement. Grant obtained some advantage, but at length 
the skill and activity of La Fayette baffled his exertions. He returned 
to Philadelphia, while La Fayette removed to Valley Forge. 

The Americans were no where more successful than in g 
the depredations which their swift sailing privateers made rican privateers, 
upon the British commerce. With these they infested 
every sea, even those about the British islands ; and often performed 
deeds of almost incredible boldness. Since 1776, they had already 
captured 500 of the British vessels. 

Early in the season. Sir Henry Clinton arrived in Philadelphia to su¬ 
persede Howe in the command of the British forces; that general hav¬ 
ing resigned his commission and returned to England. 

The news of the capture of Burgoyne caused a deep England is per- 
sensation throughout Europe, and effected the politics of pi^xed by the 

1 • 1 • X T T T . , • capture of Bur- 

several ot its cabinets. It produced, however, its chief goyne. 

effects in England and France. The English people 
were astonished and afflicted; their sanguine calculations were defeated ; 
their boastful predictions had failed; and mortified and perplexed, they 
knew not what course next to pursue. The generals and soldiers who 
had fought in America were not inferior to any that England or Europe 
could produce. These the Americans had vanquished. Of what, then, 
might they not be capable in future, when they should have derived new 
confidence from successes, and consolidated their state by practice and 
experience ; the garrisons of Canada were weak, and the Americans 
might turn their victorious army against them ; the Canadians, follow¬ 
ing the example of the Americans, might also revolt from Britain. 
Enlistments, both in America and England, became daily more difficult, 
and the Germans would only furnish troops to fulfil the engagement 
already made ; and for the few recruits which they could raise, several 
of the German princes refused a passage through their dominions. 
France had long, by secret intrigues, favoured the cause of America, 
and the perplexities of the British ministry were doubled, by the belief 
that she would soon openly avow herself; and thus her ancient and in¬ 
veterate foe be joined in the contest with her alienated colonies. 

When the difficulties of America commenced, the finances of France 

had been diminished by preceding wars, and her marine enfeebled by 

neglect. The navy of England was powerful, her colonies in different 

quarters numerous and wealthy, and productive of an im- poiicy of France 

mense revenue. France, jealous of her rival, viewed the reference to 
• -1 1 T 1 America, 

discontents in America with pleasure. She did not at -- 

first espouse the quarrel knowing that at the moment she should declare 





210 


HISTORY OF THE 


herself, the British ministry, by acquiescing in the concessions de¬ 
manded by the Americans, miglit instantly disarm them, and France 
would find herself alone, burdened with a war without motive or object. 
The declaration of independence removed this objection; yet though 
France would rather see America independent, than reconciled with 
her parent state, she relished better than either a long war between 
them, which should waste both England and her colonies. This being 
her policy, she amused the British ministers witli protestations of friend¬ 
ship. She encouraged the Americans with secret, but scanty and 
uncertain succours; and excited their hopes by promises of future co¬ 
operation. These promises, however, as they were vague and unoffi¬ 
cial, might at any time have been disowned by the government. Wea¬ 
ried out and disgusted, the agents of congress urged the cabinet of 
Versailles to come to a final decision ; but they avoided it, alleging a 
variety of excuses. Unable to accomplish their views with France, 
and discovering no other prospect of safety, the Americans proposed 
to England the recognition of their independence. This point conce¬ 
ded, they would have yielded in all others, to such conditions as should 
tend to save the honour of the mother country; but this proposition 
was rejected. , 

The capture of Burgoyne gave new ardour to these patriots, and new 
hopes and fears to France and England. The American negotiators 
now endeavoured to give jealousy to the French cabinet, by pretending 
a disposition to form an alliance with England; and disquietude to the 
English ministry, by the appearance of courting the strictest union with 
Feb 6 France. This policy induced the French ministers to 
France con- declare themselves openly; and they well knew that 
wit?Amedca^ should be warmly seconded in this measure by every 

- class of the French citizens; with whom the cause of 

America was exceedingly popular. On the 6th of February, France, 
by treaty, acknowledged the independence of America. In this treaty 
“ it was declared, that if war should break out betw'een France and 
England during the existence of that with the United States, it should 
be made a common cause; and that neither of the contracting parties 
should conclude either truce or peace with Great Britain, without the 
formal consent of the other; and they mutually engaged not to lay 
down their arms until the independence of the United States should 
have been formally or tacitly assured, by the treaty or treaties, which 
should terminate the war.” The treaty was signed, on behalf of France, 
by M. Gerard; and on the part of the United States, by Benjamin 
Franklin, Silas Deane, and Arthur Lee. On the 20th of March, the 
American commissioners were received at the court of France, as the 
representatives of a sister nation; an event, which was considered in 



REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


217 


Europe as the most important which had occurred in the annals of 
America, since its discovery by Columbus. 

In the British parliament, a proposal was brought forward by the mi- 
nisters, to send commissioners to America empowered to grant all that 
its colonies had asked before the war, on condition of their returning 
to their former allegiance. This measure was warmly opposed, and 
its ill success foretold. It is, said its opposers, either too little or too 
much : too little, if we wish to make peace in earnest; too much, if we 
expect to continue the war. If the Americans refused any other con¬ 
ditions, than independence, when they were single-handed and de¬ 
pressed by misfortunes, surely all others will now be rejected. Why 
not at once concede that independence which America has already- 
acquired, and is able to maintain. She will then doubtless prefer our 
alliance to that of France, and in our coming contest with tliat w ily 
nation, we shall have her assistance instead of her hostility. Such in 
substance was the language of the opposition ; but the councils of the 
ministry prevailed. The earl of Carlisle, Governor Parliament 

Johnstone, and William Eden were appointed commis- sends three com- 
mi ■ • 1 /Y- • 1 inissioners to 

sioners. The ministry, as the result sumciently proves, America. 

had other than the ostensible objects in view, in sending 
these men to America. They were to make an attempt to bribe, cor¬ 
rupt, and divide the people. 

The British, highly exasperated against the French, 
on account of their interference, immediately made pre- 
parations to attack that nation at sea. To the astonish¬ 
ment of England, it was found that France w'as now able to 
cope with her on that element. When the difTiculties in America com- 
menced, France had directed its attention to the increase of its 
marine; and to provide good officers, seamen of the merchant ship- 
ping were employed in the royal navy. In 1772, 1775, 1776, fleets, 
as schools of practice, were sent out, under Counts D’Orvilliers, De 
Guichen, and DuchfTault. The French marine had, in fact, now become 
equal to the English. 

On the second of May, arrived the long expected 
treaty with France. It was brought over by the French 
frigate Le Sensible. This frigate brought Silas Deane, 
who had been recalled, and also M. Gerard, the minister 
from France, to the United States. She left Brest the 8th of March, 
and arrived at Casco bay on the 2d of May. The 6th of August, M 
Gerard was received publicly by congr.ess, at Philadelphia. 

Carlisle, Eden, and Johnstone arrived at Philadelphia on the 9th of 
June. 'Pile concessions offered, were, as was predicted, too late ; and 
congress refused to negotiate on any other terms, than the recognition 
of their independence, and the removal of all the British forces. ITie 

28 


Attention of 
France to its 
marine. 


May 2. 

Treaty with 
France arrives. 





218 


HISTORY OF THE 


commissioners next resorted to the expedient of disseminating in the 

country a multitude of writings, in which they censured 

Intrigues of the congress as requiring what was unjust, and injurious to 
British commis- . ‘ ° 

sioners. America. I hey represented the alliance with France, 

as associated with meanness, while they extolled the ge¬ 
nerosity and magnanimity of England. 

Johnstone had formerly resided in the colonies ; and afterwards, as a 
member df parliament, he had espoused the American cause. Avail¬ 
ing himself of the inlluence wliich these circumstances had given him, 
he approached many influential republicans ; and, while he flattered 
them for their abilities and conduct, he adroitly insinuated that, if the 
royal authority could again be established, their merits would be re¬ 
warded by wealth, titles, and honours. In some cases attempts at 
direct bribery were discovered :—a lady was employed by Johnstone, 
to offer to Gen. Reed, if he would aid the royal cause, ten thousand 
pounds sterling, and any office in the colonies, within the king’s gift. 
“ I am not,” said Reed, “ worth purchasing; but, such as I am, the 
king of England is not rich enough to buy me.” 

In some instances, Johnstone had the indiscretion to write. The 
indignant patriots brought forward his letters, which contained the evi¬ 
dence of his base intrigues, and laid them before congress. That body 
indignantly forbade all further communication with the commissioners. 
The popular writers of the times, among whom were Dayton, of South 
Carolina, and Thomas Paine, met, and confuted their insinuations. 
Public opinion overwhelmed them with opprobium; and this abortive 
attempt, like former similar ones, served only to show to the British mi- 
nistry, the stability of that union which they now vainly endeavoured 
to shake 



SECTION VIII. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1778. 

[Continued.] 

June 18. About the 5th of June, the British took measures to 
^ ac^aie'^PhY evacuate Philadelphia. This they accomplished on the 

ladelphia. morning of the 18th, their army proceeding through New 
^ Jersey towards New-York. 

Washington immediately put his camp, at Valley Forge, in motion, 
and sent out a detachment to collect the New Jersey militia, in order 




REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


219 


to harass their rear. He thought it would be wise to bring the British 
to a general engagement, but this opinion was contrary 
to that of the majority of his officers. He, however, 
persisted, and, following with his whole army, an en¬ 
gagement was brought about at Monmouth, or Freehold, 
on the 28th, in which the Americans had the advantage, 
the English was 700, that of the Americans, much less. 


June 28. 

Battle of Mon- 
inoiitli. 


The loss of 
Though both 

sides claimed the victory, yet historians agree in awarding it to the re¬ 
publicans, as they remained masters of the field of battle. 

It was at the commencement of this engagement, that the incident 
occurred, which was the cause of Gen. Lee’s being censured, and sus¬ 
pended one year from his command. By his own request, he had been 
associated with Gen. La Fayette, in the command of the van. After 
he had attacked the British, he thought the ground in his rear more 
favourable to the formation of his lines ; and he made, in some haste, 
a retrograde motion. Washington met the retreating troops ; and find¬ 
ing that Lee was abandoning a ground which he had commanded him 
to take, and endangering the army by an appearance ofyflight, the com¬ 
mander inquired with sternness, what he meant; and gave orders 
himself for forming the battalion. In the course of the day, he employed 
Lee; who, during the remainder of this hard fought battle, displayed 
such courage and military conduct, tliat, had he not thought proper 
afterwards to write to the commander disrespectful letters, on the 
events of the battle, Washington would have taken no further notice 
of his irregular behaviour. 

Night separated the combatants; and Washington and his soldiers 
rested upon their arms; intending to renew the conflict the succeed¬ 
ing day: but Clinton silently decamped in the night. In the morn¬ 
ing, he was several miles distant; and moving through 
Middletown to Sandy Hook, he finally crossed over to 
New-York. 

On the 1st of July, the American commander, leaving 
Morgan’s dragoons in lower Jersey, proceeded with his 
army towards the Hudson. 

A French fleet, consisting of twelve ships of the line 
and six frigates, was now sent to the aid of America, 
commanded by the Count D’Estaing. The admiral left 
Toulon on the 18th of April, with the intention of blockading the Bri¬ 
tish in the Delaware. He entered the mouth of tlie river, on the 8th 
of June ; but finding that Admiral Howe had left Philadelphia for New- 
York, he proceeded to that place, designing to engage him there ; but 
the size of his ships prevented his passing the bar between Sandy 
Hook and Long Island. 


Ctiiiton removes 
to New-York. 


Washington 
jnoceeds to the 
Hudson. 


French fleet ar¬ 
rives under 
D’Estainsi. 






220 


HISTORY OF THE 


Franklin ap¬ 
pointed minis¬ 
ter to F ranee. 


Expedition 
against Rhode 
Island. 


On the 14tli of September, Renjamiri Franklin, still in 
France, was invested with tlie dignity and powers of mi¬ 
nister plenipotentiary. 

Washington, wishing to derive the utmost advantage 
from the presence of the French fleet, directed an expe- 

--— dition against Rhode Island, for which he detached a 

force of 10,000 troops, under the command of Gen. Sullivan; with 
whom he afterwards associated generals Greene and La Fayette. The 
force to which this army was opposed, consisted of 6,000 troops, which 
were stationed at Newport, and commanded by Gen. Pigott. 

Sullivan had, with the advice of Washington, concerted a plan of 
operations with the French admiral D’Estaing, who arrived ofl* New¬ 
port, on the 25th of July. Sullivan’s army had taken post near Provi¬ 
dence, and he had reasonable expectations, that, with the aid of the 
French,^ he should be able to make himself master of the whole force 
under Pigott. The fleet was to enter the harbour of Newport, and 
land the French troops on the north part of the island on which that 
city is situated ; while the Americans were to land at the same time, 
under cover of the guns of a frigate, on the opposite coast. On the 8th 
of August, Gen. Sullivan joined Gen. Greene at Tiverton, and the 
descent was to be made the next day. The fleet })resented itself. 
Some militia, who were to join the army, failed to come at the expected 
hour, and Sullivan represented to the French admiral, the necessity of 
a short delay. On the morning of the ninth, Sullivan crossed the east 
passage, and landed on tl-^^ north end of Rhode Island. On the tenth, 
the fleet of Lord Howe appeared in sight, and D’Estaing left Sullivan 
to give chase to the British admiral, promising to return 

Aug. 15. 

to his assistance. The crafty Howe led him on, and both 

Sullivan besieges r* • i rs 

Newport. fleets were soon out of sight. On the 15th, Sullivan com- 

menced the siege of Newport, still believing that he 
should have the promised aid of the French fleet. Great was his 
chagrin and disappointment, when D’Estaing returned in a shattered 
condition; and no entreaties could prevail on him to re- 

Aug. 22. main, but on the 22d, he sailed to Boston to refit. Thus 
for Boston. deserted by his allies, one half of his army, which con- 
sisted of militia, refused to remain, and encounter the 
danger, to which he was now exposed, of an attack from the British at 
New-York. 

Thus weakened, he raised the siege of Newport, on 
the 28th, and retired to a commanding situation on the 
north part of the island. The enemy followed, and, on the 
29th, attacked his army. After a sharp conflict of half 
an hour, in which Sullivan lost 211 of his troops, and 
Pigott 260 , the British gave way, and retired to Quaker 


Aug. 28. 

Sullivan leaves 
the siege, and, 

Aug. 29, 

Has an action 
with the British. 







REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


221 


Sept. 5. 
Gen. Gray’s 
excursion. 


Hill, ''riie next day, a letter from>Wasliington informed him, that Sir 
Henry Clinton, with a large body of troops, had put out to sea from 
New-York. His prospects were n^w com[)letcly reversed, and instead 
of hoping to conquer the British forces, his own were in imminent 
danger. By a skill that has been rnucli commended, he succeeded in 
drawing off his army to the main land. The very next day, Clinton, 
who had been detained by adverse winds, arrived at the island, with 
4,000 men. 

This affair was unhappy in its effects. D’Estaing had left Sullivan 
to his fate, not only against his entreaties, but against the warm re- 
monstrances of generals Greene and La Fayette. The resentment 
excited in the breast of Sullivan, and the disapprobation of many others, 
gave to Washington the greatest uneasiness, and called forth all his 
address to sooth their ruffled spirits, and prevent an open rupture with 
the French admiral. 

Sir Henry Clinton, disappointed of his expected prize, 
bent his course towards New-York, intending, in his 
route, to make a descent upon New London; but, on 
account of adverse winds, he proceeded immediately to 
New-York. He left the command of the troops on board the trans¬ 
ports, to Gen. Gray, with orders to destroy, if possible, the American 
privateers, which resorted to Buzzard’s bay, and the adjacent rivers. 
He arrived there with some transports, and succeeded in destroying 
sixty large vessels, and some small craft. Proceeding to New Bedford 
and Fair-Haven, he destroyed many mills, warehouses, and much pri¬ 
vate property. 

In the campaign of this year, the depredations committed by the 
savages, were more frequent and more inhuman than ever. The ruth¬ 
less chiefs, who guided them in these sanguinary expeditions, were But¬ 
ler, a tory refugee, and Brandt, a half-blooded Indian ; beings capable 
of the most horrid deeds. The devastation of the flourishing settle¬ 
ment of Wyoming, by a band of Indians and tories, was marked by 
the most demoniac cruelties. This settlement consisted of eight towns, 
on the banks of the Susquehannah, and was one of the 
most flourishing and delightful places in America. But Indians destroy 
even in this peaceful spot, the inhabitants were not ex- wyoridn^^”* 
empt from the baneful influence of party spirit. Although 
the majority were devoted to the cause of their country, yet the loyal¬ 
ists were numerous. Several persons had been arrested as tories, and 
sent to the proper authorities for trial. This excited the indignation 
of their party , determining upon revenge, who united with the In¬ 
dians ; and, resorting to artifice, pretended a desire to cultivate peace 
with the inhabitants of Wyoming, while they were mailing every pre¬ 
paration for their meditated vengeance. The youth of Wyoming were 




222 


HISTORY OF THE 


at this time with the army, and but 500 men, capable of defending the 
settlement, remained. The inhabitants had constructed four forts for 
their security, into which these men were distributed. In the month 
of July, 1,600 Indians and tories, under the command of Butler and 
Brandt, appeared on the banks of the Susquehannah. Two of the forts 
nearest the frontier immediately surrendered to them. The savages 
spared the women and children, but butchered the rest of their prisoners, 
without exception. They then surrounded Kingston, the principal fort, 
and to dismay the garrison, hurled into the place 200 scalps, still reek 
ing with blood. Col. Denison, knowing it to be impossible to defend 
the fort, demanded of Butler what terms would be allowed the garrison, 
if they surrendered ; he answered, “ the hatchet.” They attempted 
further resistance, but were soon compelled to surrender. Enclosing 
the inhabitants, in houses and barracks, they set fire to them, and the 
men, women, and children were all consumed. 

The fort of Wilksbarre still remained in the power of the republi¬ 
cans ; but this garrison, learning the fate of the others, surrendered 
without resistance, hoping in this way to obtain mercy. But submis¬ 
sion could not soften the hearts of these unfeeling monsters, and their 
atrocious cruelties were renewed. They then devastated the country, 
burnt their dwellings, and consigned their crops to the flames. The 
tories appeared to surpass even the savages in barbarity. The nearest 
ties of consanguinity were disregarded; and it is asserted, that a 
mother was murdered by the hand of her own son. None escaped but 
a few women and children; and these, dispersed and wandering in 
the forests, without food and without clothes, were not the least worthy 
of commiseration. 

Disputes occurred about this time, between the French 
and the inhabitants at Boston, and also at Charleston, 
South Carolina. In both these places some of the 
French were killed. At Boston, the Chevalier de St. 
Sauveur lost his life. Congress attributed these unfortunate affairs to 
British machinations ; and the French admiral forebore to inquire fur¬ 
ther. The Marquis La Fayette, hoping to serve the United States by 
his representations in France, requested and obtained permission to 
repass the Atlantic. 

French and En- Admiral D’Estaing left Boston for the West Indies, 
glish fleets sail on the 3d of November. The same day. Commodore 
d°iL. " Hotham left Sandy Hook, having on board 5,000 land 

troops, under Maj. Gen. Grant, to sustain the English 
garrisons in those islands. He was followed, on the 14th of Decem¬ 
ber, by Admiral Byron, who had superseded Admiral Howe, with the 
whole English Jleet. The French took Dominica from the English ; 
and the English, St. Lucia from the French. 


Sept. 

Quarrels with 
tlie French. 




REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


223 


In planning the campaign for this year, the British had placed their 
principal hope of success in conquering the southern states. It was 
not, however, until this late period of the campaign, that Sir Henry 
Clinton was prepared to attempt the execution of their design. He sent 
Georgia, under convoy of Admiral Hyde Parker, 

2,500 English, Hessians, and refugees. This corps was 
commanded by Col. Campbell, who was to attack by sea, sail for Georgia, 
while Provost, the commander in Florida, was ordered 
to commence attacks along the Savannah river. The 27th of Decem¬ 
ber, Campbell arrived before Savannah, which was unprepared for 
defence. On the 28th, he defeated the Americans near 
that place, under Mai. Gen. Robert Howe, and killed ^ Dec. 29. 

^ . Savannah is 

upwards of one hundred of his troops. The I^itish took taken. 

immediate possession of the city. Four hundred and “ 

fifty American troops, and a large quantity of artillery and ammuni¬ 
tion fell into their hands. That part of the American army which 
escaped, retreated into South Carolina. 

Late in the autumn of 1778, Washington took winter quarters at 
Middlebrook. 


SECTION IX. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1779. 

The plan of Sir Henry Clinton was to subjugate, at the outset of this 
campaign, the whole state of Georgia to the royal authority. The ca¬ 
pital being already in possession of the British, they soon overran the 
adjacent country. Sunbury still held out for congress. Gen. Prevost, 
(commander of the troops at St. Augustine,) pursuant to the orders of 
Clinton, left Florida; and, after a march of excessive fatigue and hard¬ 
ship, attacked the garrison at that place. They made a show of re¬ 
sistance ; but the country being now in the hands of Sunbury taken 
the enemy, they were compelled to surrender at dis- by the British, 
cretion. 

Col. Campbell had undertaken the same enterprise. Joining his 
corps to that of Prevost, they proceeded together to Savannah, where 
Prevost took the command of all the British forces in that region. The 
whole of Georgia was now under the authority of the royalists; and 
Clinton had accomplished all that he had expected to effect, before he 
should be joined by recruits from England. He did not consider him- 





224 


HISTORY OF THE 


self in sufficient force to attack Charleston; but, aware that if he did 
not proceed with offensive operations, his army would languish, and 
his enemy soon put him on the defensive, he planned an expedition 
against Port Royal, giving the command to Gen. Gardner. The Eng- 
Unsuccessful at- lish were, however, so valiantly received by the Caroli- 
tempt upon Port nians, that they were obliged to return, after having ex- 
- perienced a severe loss. 

One of the motives of the British ministry, in transferring the war 
into the southern states, resulted from an opinion, that a great proper- 
tion were, at heart, in favour of the mother country; and that if an 
opportunity presented, they would flock to its standard. They were 
not mistaken in the belief, that there were royalists; but they were de- 
ceived as to their number, and efficient strength. This was clearly 
shown by events which occurred about this period. 

Of these royalists, there were several kinds. Some of the least vio¬ 
lent, concealing their sentiments, resided in the midst of the republi¬ 
cans ; some lived solitary, and watched a favourable opportunity to de¬ 
clare themselves; while others were so rancorous as even to unite 
with the Indians ; and, assisting in their nocturnal massacres, their con¬ 
duct was more barbarous than that of the savages themselves. 

To support and encourage these friends to the royal cause, the Bri¬ 
tish generals moved up the river to Augusta. They sent out numerous 
emissaries, who represented to them that now was the time to join the 
royal standard. They were told that they wanted nothing but to unite 
their strength, to become incomparably the stronger party; to be en¬ 
abled to take vengeance on those who had so long loaded them with 
indignities; and to entitle them to the high rewards which await those 
who are found faithful among the faithless. The royalists rose in 
arms, put themselves under the command of Col. Boyd, one of their 
chiefs ; and, moving towards the British army, pillaged, burnt, and mur¬ 
dered on their way. Meantime, the Carolinians collected a force^ which. 
Col. Pickens de- the Command of Col. Pickens, met them, just as 

feats a party of they had nearly reached the British posts. A furious 
royalists. i rm • 

- conflict ensued. 1 he republicans killed great numbers, 

and totally defeated the party. Seventy-six of the most guilty were 
condemned to death as criminals; but mercy was extended to the 
whole number of the condemned, except five. 

Towards the close of the preceding year. General Lincoln was ap 
pointed, at the request of the Carolinians, to take the command of the 
southern forces. He arrived, on the 4th of December, at Charleston; 
and, on the 17th of January, took post at Purysburg. As the enemy 
extended their jiosts up the Savannah, on the southern side, Lincoln 
extended his on the northern bank. He fixed one encampment at 
Black Swamp, and another nearly opposite to Augusta ; intending, as 




225 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 

soon as he should be able to collect a sufficient force, to cross -the Sa¬ 
vannah, and oblige the enemy to evacuate the upper parts of Georgia. 
Meantime, Prevost fell down the river to Hudson’s ferry. Lincoln, 
whose army amounted to 4,000, intending to restrict him to the 
coast, now commenced the execution of his design, of taking posses¬ 
sion of the upper part of Georgia. He detached Gen. Ashe, with 
2,000 men, of the North Carolina militia, to take post on Briar creek. 
Finding his position a strong one, and trusting too much to its strength, 
Ashe was not careful to avoid surprise. Prevost took measures, by 
judicious feints, to keep the attention of Lincoln diverted from Ashe, 
while he marched to surprise that general. He was so jyjarch 3 
completely successful, that he had entered the camp of General Prevost 
the Americans before they were aware of his approach. Am^rTcans**^^ 

Panic struck, the militia fled, without firing a shot; but - 

many of them being drowned in the river, and swallowed up in the 
marshes, met with a death which they might possibly have escaped by 
a gallant resistance. 

The regular troops of Carolina and Georgia, animated by the exam- 
pie of their commander, the brave Gen. Elbert, made a gallant re¬ 
sistance; but, deserted by their friends, and outnumbered by their ene¬ 
mies, they were compelled to yield. By this disastrous affair. General 
Lincoln must have been deprived of 1,600 of his troops; as only four 
liundred returned to his camp. 

Again the British were masters of all Georgia. They had free com¬ 
munication with the encouraged loyalists ; not only in the back parts 
of this state, but also in those of the Carolinas: and Gen. Prevost now 
proceeded to organize a colonial government. 

Alarmed, but not dismayed, the Carolinians made the most vigorous 
exertions to draw out their militia. John Rutledge, in whom all classes 
confided, was chosen governor. By the middle of April Lincoln found 
himself at the head of 5,000 fighting men. On the 23d, he resumed 
his intention of occupying Georgia; and, leaving 1,000 of his troops 
under Gen. Moultrie, to garrison Purysburg and Black Swamp, he 
marched with the remainder up tlie Savannah. Meantime, the army 
of Prevost, which was increased by the royalists, crossed the river Sa¬ 
vannah, near its mouth, and defeated Gen. Moultrie; Moultrie retreats 
who, finding Purysburg and Black Swamp untenable, before Prevost, 
had retired towards Charleston. Holding on their vie- chLleston^.^^ 
torious course, the 11th of May they appeared before 
Charleston. J’he garrison of this city was small, although it had been 
the day before reinforced by 500 militia, under Go^ Rutledge, and by 
the ‘‘ American Legion,” under the Count Pulaski; Their only hope 
of relief was from the hourly expected presence of Lincoln. When* 
tlrerefore, they were, on the morning of the 12th, liUmmoned to surrert- 

29 




226 


HISTORY OF THE 


der, they sent out commissioners to negotiate, who contrived, by re¬ 
quiring certain conditions, to bring on a long dispute. In the mean¬ 
time, they were making vigorous preparations for real defence, and a 
great show, as if well prepared for resistance.—The fears of Prevost 
began to operate, and he drew off his troops some miles from the town. 
While he hesitated, and delayed to attack the city, the army of Lincoln 
appeared. 


May. 

British make 
descent upon 
Virginia, and 
burn several 
towns. 


June 20 Prevost now retired to St. James and St. John’s, south- 
Indficisive en- ward of Charleston; his design being to pass along these 
ItSperry^^ fertile islands, and others which line the coast. Lincoln 

- followed him upon the main land, and an indecisive en- 

gagement of some regiments occurred at Stono Ferry. Gen. Prevost 
left a garrison in Beaufort, on Port Royal, under command of Colonel 
Maitland, and then retired with the British main army to Savannah; 
while Gen. Lincoln, with the American forces, took post at Sheldon. 

In May, Gen. Clinton, wishing to further the designs 
of the British ministry, in the conquest of the southern 
states, sent out from New-York a fleet, under the com¬ 
mand of Com. Collier, with a corps of 2,000 men, under 
Gen. Matthews, to make a descent upon Virginia, and 
by devastating the country, to keep the inhabitants in a continual state 
of alarm. He had hopes that, by the aid of the loyalists, this force 
would be able to overawe and effect a revolt of the state. The fleet 
proceeded to the Chesapeake, and blocked up the entrances of James 
river and Hampton Roads. A part of the troops landed on the banks 
of Elizabeth river: then proceeded to Portsmouth, Norfolk, Suffolk, 
and Gosport, burned those places, and spread devastation through the 
country. They demolished magazines, and took great quantities of 
provisions, which had been prepared for the American army, and 
burned or removed all the stores and shipping. Failing, however, in 
the grand object of producing a revolt, Clinton recalled them to New 
York. 


He next resolved to attack the American works at Stony Point, and 
Verplank’s Neck, two opposite projections of land on the Hudson river. 
The Americans had constructed these works at great labour and ex¬ 
pense. They were important to them, as they commanded the pass 
called King’s Ferry, and because, if they fell into the hands of the Bri- 
tish, the Americans would be obliged to take a circuit of ninety miles 
up the river, to communicate, by land, between the eastern and southern 

(jjjpn. Clinton, commanding this expedition in person, 
left New-York on the last of May. He first proceeded 
against Stony Point, and the Americans, being unpre¬ 
pared for defence, evacuated the place. At Verplank’s 


provinces. 
June 1. 

Clinton takes 
Stony and Ver¬ 
plank’s Point. 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


22'7 


Point, the fort named La Fayette had just been completed. Unfortu¬ 
nately, however, this fort was commanded by the heights of Stony 
Point, upon which the British had, during the night, planted a battery 
of heavy cannon, and another of mortars. Early in the morning, this 
artillery was turned against fort La Fayette; and the enemy having 
invested it, all probability of relief was cut off, and the garrison surren- 
dered. Gen. Clinton gave orders for completing the works of Stony 
Point; and, on tlie 2d of June,"he encamped his army at Philipsburg, 
half way between Verplank’s Point and New-York. 

At this period, the commerce of the British on Long Island sound was 
nearly destroyed by the Connecticut privateers. They intercepted 
whatever made its appearance on their waters ; and by this means dis¬ 
tressed the British army in New-York, which had been accustomed to 
receive its supplies from this quarter. To remedy this 
inconv^enience. Gov. Tryon, by the orders of Clinton, od'^^Tiyon 
embarked with a strong detachment for Connecticut. a descent 

He proceeded to New Haven, and destroyed all the ship. - 

ping which he found in that port. He then advanced to Fairfield, 
Norwalk, and Greenwich, all of which places he barbarously consigned 
to the flames. Besides the loss of a great quantity of shipping and 
whale boats, the destruction of other property was immense. 

While the British were thus desolating the coasts of Connecticut, 
the Americans undertook the recovery of Verplank’s and Stony Points. 
The stores at Stony Point, in particular, were abundant, and it was 
garrisoned with a numerous and select corps of troops. Washington 
charged Gen. Wayne with the attack of Stony Point, and Gen. Howe 
with that of Verplank’s. The troops commanded by Gen. Wayne ar¬ 
rived under the walls of the fort about midnight. The Americans were 
divided into two columns, and attacked the fort from opposite points. 
The English opened a tremendous fire upon them; but they rushed 
impetuously onward, opening their way with the bayonet. They scaled 
the fort, and the two victorious columns met in the cen- j^jy 
tre of the works. The loss of the British, in killed, Americans take 
wounded, and prisoners, amounted to six hundred, the 
Americans lost but one hundred. The attack upon Verplank’s Point 
proved unsuccessful. 

When Clinton received intelligence of the capture of Stony Point, 
he determined not to sufler the Americans to remain in possession, and 
despatched a corps of troops to dislodge them. Washington, not wish¬ 
ing to hazard a battle, ordered Gen. Wayne to retire, having accom¬ 
plished his object in dismantling the fort, and removing all the artillery 
and stores. 

This enterprise was speedily followed by another. Garrison at Pm. 
equally bold in its design. On the 19th, Maj. Lee, with ins Hook sur^iri- 




HIS-TORY OF THE 


sed and o'apidi- 
lates. 


July. 

Unsuccessful 
expedition of 
the Bostonians 
against tlie Jiri- 
tish at Penob¬ 
scot. 


three hundred men, completely surprised the British gar^ 
rison at Paulus’ Hook, killed thirty of the enemy, and 
took , 159 prisoners. 

At the east, the British obtained some advantages over 
the Americans. Col. M’Lean had embarked from Hali¬ 
fax, with a strong detachment of troops, and landed at 
the mouth of the Penobscot river. In this place he chose 
an advantageous situation, and proceeded to fortify him- 
self. His object was to annoy the eastern frontier, and 
to prevent the inhabitants of Massachusetts from sending reinforce¬ 
ments to the army of Washington. The Bostonians, in great alarm, 
fitted out, under the command of Commodore Saltonstall, an armament 
with which they despatched a portion of land troops, under the com¬ 
mand of Gen. Lovell. On their arrival at Penobscot, instead of attack¬ 
ing the enemy immediately, which would have insured them success, 
they delayed fifteen days, in order to entrench themselves. On the day 
of the intended attack. Commodore Collier, whom Clinton, on hearing 
of the situation of M’Lean, had sent from Sandy Hook to his relief, 
appeared with his fleet, at the mouth of the Penobscot. The Americans 
re-embarked, but Collier attacked the flotilla, and entirely destroyed it. 
The soldiers and sailors, in order to effect their escape, were obliged 
to land, and hide themselves in the forests ; through which they es¬ 
caped to their homes. The failure of this enterprise was a severe 
mortification, as well as a serious loss to the Bostonians. 

In July, congress sent Gen. Sullivan, with 3,000 troops, to repress 
the incursions of the savages at the west. He proceeded up the Sus- 
quehannah ; and at Wyoming was joined by a reinforcement of 1,000 
men, under the command of James Clinton. 

The Indians had assembled in great numbers, under 
the command of their ferocious leaders, Johnson, Butler, 
and Brandt, and were now joined by 250 royalists. Con¬ 
fident in their strength, they had advanced to Newtown ; 
and while awaiting Sullivan’s approach, had thrown up an extensive 
entrenchment, strengthened by a palisade and redoubts, after the 
European manner. Gen. Sullivan, on his arrival, immediately attacked 
the place ; and the Indians, after defending it two hours, fled in disor¬ 
der, few being killed, and none taken prisoners. Sullivan took possesr 
sion of Newtown, from whence he made incursions into the other parts 
of their country; and the terrified savages made no further resistance ; 
but escaped to the forests. An immense quantity of grain was burned, 
forty Indian villages were utterly destroyed ; and no trace of vegetation 
lefl upon the surface of the ground. Gen. Sullivan, after having accom¬ 
plished this enterprise, went with his army to Easton, in Pennsylvania. 


Aug. *29. 

Sullivan defeats 
the tories and 
savages. 





REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


229 


SECTION X. 


CAMPAIGN OF 1779. 


Continued.] 


To understand the history of the war, it is necessary 1779 

to keep in view, not only the movements of the forces War of the 

of America, but also those of its allv and its enemy. The French and Eng- 
/• 1 ^ ^ ^ in the West 

commencement 01 the present year finds the Count D Es- indies. 

taing and Lord Byron, with their respective fleets, in the 

West Indies. The former is reinforced by a squadron, under the Count 

De Grasse, and the latter by an armament under Commodore Rowley. 

Their fleets were now nearly equal, and the English were desirous of 
a naval battle; but the French had in view the conquest of the neigh¬ 
bouring English islands ; and for that purpose, had on board a conside¬ 
rable land force, which must, in the event of a battle, be exposed, and 
could afford no assistance. D’Estaing was therefore averse to an en¬ 
gagement, and lay quietly at anchor, in port, at Martinique. 

Meantime, Lord Byron sailed towards England, to convoy a fleet of 
merchantmen, well aware that a guard of no ordinary strength could, 
under present circumstances, protect them. No sooner had he lefl the 
West Indies, than the French admiral sent a detached squadron to St. 
Vincent, which succeeded in capturing that valuable island. 

On the 30th of June, D’Estaing, who had received a reinforcement 
from France, left Martinico, his fleet consisting of twenty-five sail of 
the line, and, on the 2d of July, came to anchor in a harbour of Gre¬ 
nada. On this island he landed 2,500 men, and attacked and carried, 
by a bloody and destructive assault, St. George, its principal fortress ; 
and the island, of necessity, submitted to France. 

Shortly after these events, D’Estaing received letters from Gen. 
Lincoln, President Lowndes, of South Carolina, and Mr. Plombard, 
consul of France, from which he learned the dissatisfaction which ex¬ 
isted in America. The republicans complained, that the alliance with 
France had produced nothing upon the American continent, which cor- 
responded either to the greatness of their ally, or the general expecta¬ 
tions of the Americans. It was said, ■ that the sums expended upon 
Rhode Island were worse than fruitless, and that the zeal with which 
the Bostonians had victualled and equipped the French fleet, produced 
no better effect than its immediate desertion of their coasts, on distant 
expeditions. The loss of Savannah and Georgia, which opened to tho 
British an easy entrance to the Carolinas, was attributed to the deser 



230 


HISTORY OF THE 


Sept. 1. 

D’Estaing ar¬ 
rives off the 
coast of Georgia. 


tion of the French ; and finally, it was said, that while the French were 
enriching themselves in distant seas, with the conquests of the Bntish 
possessions, they left the Americans, contrary to the stipulations of the 
treaty, to sustain the burden of the war. These complaints were fol¬ 
lowed by earnest entreaties, that D’Estaing would immediately restore 
the confidence of the Americans, by hastening to their succour. 

Count D’Estaing had received instructions to return 
immediately to Europe, but moved by the representa- 
tions of the Americans, he ventured to disobey the sum¬ 
mons of his court; and, directing his course for Georgia, 
he appeared off the coast on the 1st of September. 

He believed that there were two plans, which, if America could suc¬ 
cessfully execute, the war must, of necessity, come to a conclusion. 
One of these, was the destruction of the forces under Gen. Prevost, at 
Savannah; and the other, and more difficult, was to attack by sea and 
land, conjointly with Washington, the British forces in the city of New- 
York. It was determined to attempt the former; and the Count 
D’Estaing and General Lincoln lost no time in commencing their joint 
operations. 

The French admiral had sent some ships to Charleston with the joy¬ 
ful news of his arrival in those waters. They surprised and captured 
some British vessels loaded with provisions. Gen. Prevost, alarmed 
at his danger, sent expresses, directing the forces under Maitland, and 
those at Sunbury, to repair with speed to Savannah. He removed the 
shipping farther up the river, destroyed the batteries at the island of 
Tybee, and pressed the completion of the fortifications at Savannah. 

Meantime, Gen. Lincoln marched towards Savannah, leaving orders 
for the militia to collect from all quarters, and join his army. Before 
he had arrived. D’Estaing had invested the place, and 
demanded of Prevost to surrender to the arms of France; 
a measure which was displeasing to the republicans. 
The expected reinforcements of Prevost had not yet ar- 
rived; and he amused the French admiral by a pro¬ 
tracted negotiation. D’Estaing even went so far as to 
give him a truce of twenty-four hours. In the meantime, Maitland 
arrived, with eight hundred men ; and there was then no further talk 
of surrendering. Pula'ski, with his legion, and Lincoln, with 3,000 
troops, had also arrived before Savannah. Works were erected, and 
a regular siege was commenced on the 24th of September. 

On the 3d of October the trenches were completed, the batteries 
armed, and a bombardment commenced. Fifty-three pieces of cannon, 
and nine mortars, sent an incessant shower of balls and shells. The city 
was on fire in many places. The burning roofs fell upon the women, 
the children and the unarmed multitude ; and every where were seen 


Sept. 24. 

Savannah in¬ 
vested by the 
French, who are 
joined by the A- 
mericans. 




REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


231 


the crippled, the dying, and the dead. Five days this firing con¬ 
tinued, and, although so dreadful to the town, it was nearly harmless 
to the fort. Touched with the sufferings which he witnessed, Prevost 
requested permission that the women and children should be sent down 
the river, on board of vessels intrusted to the care of the French, to 
await there the issue of the siege. D’Estaing, fearing to be again en¬ 
trapped, refused this humane request. In the meantime, the French 
fleet would be exposed to dangers, and himself to disgrace, should the 
admiral longer detain it. And although the allies knew that they were 
putting to great hazard that which delay would make certain, yet the 
exigency of the case seemed to demand it; and it was resolved to as¬ 
sault the town. The flower of the combined armies were led to the 
attack by the two commanders, D’Estaing and Lincoln. They met 
with many disasters, and a final repulse. The number g 

of the slain and the wounded shows that the battle must The allies are 

have been bloody. The French loss was 700; the - 

American, four hundred. The Count D’Estaing was wounded, but 
recovered; the Coitnt Pulaski, while bravely charging at the head of 
200 horse, received a wound which caused his deatli, and deprived 
America of one of her most valiant and disinterested defenders. On 
the 18th, the allies raised the siege of Savannali. Lin¬ 
coln crossed the river witn his regular troops ; the militia 
disbanded, and returned to their homes; and D’Estaing 
set sail for Europe. 

Sir Henry Clinton, fearing an attack from the French, 
withdrew his troops from Rhode Island precipitately, 
with the loss of his munitions; leaving that state to re¬ 
vert peaceably to the union. 

Near the close of this year occurred, on the coast of Scotland, that 
unexampled sea fight, which gave to the name of Paul Jones such ter¬ 
rific eclat. This man was a native of Scotland, but engaged in the 
ser#ce of the United States. His flotilla was composed of the Bon- 
homme Richard, of forty guns ; the Alliance, of thirty-six, (both Ameri¬ 
can ships,) the Pallas, a French frigate of thirty-two, in the pay of con¬ 
gress, and two other smaller vessels. He fell in with a British mer¬ 
chant fleet, on its return from the Baltic, convoyed by Capt. Pearson, 
with the frigate Serapis, of forty-four guns, and the Countess of Scar¬ 
borough, of twenty. 

Pearson had no sooner perceived Jones, than he bore 
down to engage him, while the merchantmen endeavoured 
to gain the coast. The American flotilla formed to re¬ 
ceive him. The two enemies joined battle about seven 
in the evening. The British having the advantage of cannon of a 
longer reach, Paul Jones resolved to fight them closer. He brought 


Oct. 18. 

They raise the 
siege. 


Oct. 25. 

The British 
withdraw from 
Rhode Island. 


Sept. 23. 

Paul Jones’ na-'^ 
val battle. 






232 


HISTORY OF THE 


up his ships, until the muzzles of his guns came in contact with those 
of his enemy. Here the phrensied combatants fought from seven till 
ten. Paul Jones now found that his vessel was so shattered, that only 
three effective guns remained. Trusting no longer to these, he as¬ 
sailed his enemy with grenades; which, falling into the Serapis, set 
her on fire in several places. At length her magazine blew up, and 
killed all near it. Pearson, enraged at his officers, who wished him 
to surrender, commanded them to board. Paul Jones, at the head of 
his crew, received them at the point of the pike ; and they retreated. 
But the flames of the Serapis had communicated to her enemy, and the 
vessel of Jones was on fire. Amidst this tremendous night scene, the 
American frigate Alliance came up, and mistaking her partner for her 
enemy, fired a broad-side into the vessel of Jones, but by the glare of 
the burning ships she discovered her mistake, and turned her guns 
against her exhausted foe. Pearson’s crew were killed or wounded, 
his artillery dismounted, and his vessel on fire ; and he could no longer 
resist. The flames of the Serapis were, however, arrested; but the 
leaks of the Good-man Richard could not be topped, and the nulk 
went down soon after the mangled remains of the crew had been re- 
nioved. Of the 375, who were on board that renowned vessel, 300 
were killed or wounded. The Pallas had captured the Countess of 
Scarborough; and Jones, after this horrible victory, wandered, with 
his shattered, unmanageable vessels for some time; and at length, on 
the 6th of October, had the good fortune to find his way to the waters 
of the Texel. 

Having now brought to a close the military affairs of the campaign, 
we pause to take some note of the political transactions. 

Notwithstanding the apparent inutility to the republi- 
of cans, of the French fleet, it was in reality of great im- 

portance to their cause, as it kept the British constantly 
in check. But the alliance with France had also its disadvantages. 
The public feeling, so long strained to an unnatural elevation, wa?now 
pre-disposed to sink to apathy ; and the Americans were led to believe 
that England must, from the power of France, soon be compelled to 
yield, although they should remit their efforts. 

The leading republicans saw the evil with alarm. Endeavouring 
to counteract it, they called on the people, by the memory of their past 
exploits, by the necessity of preserving the respect of their allies, by 
the perils which still impended, and by the power and treacherous po¬ 
licy of their yet unconquered adversary, to arouse from their lethargy, 
and trust not in chance or in strangers, but in their own exertions, for 
the establishment of their rights; but vain was the appeal; and even 
the army was affected by the lethargic torpor of the public mind. 

Another evil had arisen. The disorders of the times had produced 



REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


233 


a race of men, who, seeking solely to enrich themselves, made a trade 
of the public distress. What did they care if their country should fall, 
if they could share her spoils ? Freedom for them might perish, so 
they could but batten on her corse*. Army supplies enriched them, as 
they afforded them pretences for peculations ; and the state often paid 
dearly for what it never received. Such wretches are ever the loudest 
to chime in with the tune of the times. Hypocrites in patriotism ; vo¬ 
ciferous in talking of their country’s rights, they deceived the unde- 
cernin^ and acquired an influence, by which they sought to remove 
from office all who obstructed their designs ; and by their intrigues, the 
appalling cry of tory was raised, and sometimes not in vain, against the 
upright officer who refused to connive at their selfish rapacity. 

One cause of this alarming degeneracy in morals, lay in the depre- 
ciation of paper currency. At the close of this year, a dollar in spe¬ 
cie could scarcely be obtained for forty in bills. But, the paper was 
fluctuating in its value. Hence a set of men arose, who preferred spe¬ 
culating on this currency, to honest industry; and often in the changes 
which occurred, the worthless amassed sudden wealth, while many de¬ 
serving persons of moderate fortunes, sunk at once to poverty. That 
the bills should have depreciated, will not be mysterious, when we con¬ 
sider that the immense sum of one hundred and sixty millions had now 
been issued by congress. 

The honest individual of private life, will be surprised to learn an¬ 
other reason of the depreciation of American paper, although the wily 
politician knows that it is no new “ trick of state.” England, on this 
occasion, turned counterfeiter. Her ministers sent over, and her gene¬ 
rals distributed whole chests of spurious bills, so perfectly imitated, as 
scarcely to be distinguished from the true. 

In the meantime, America was scarcely less in dan- , . 

Intrigues of 

ger from her friends than her enemies. Her congress France &, Spain, 
was beset by the intrigues of France and Spain. The 
former had not intended to declare in her favour, until far greater con¬ 
cessions had been obtained. She had been surprised into the step she 
had taken, by the unexpected fortune which, in the case of Burgoyne, 
the Americans had single-handed won for themselves, and which made 
lier fear, that, unless she then declared herself, the contest would be 
decided, and America become independent, without being in any degree 
indebted to her, or inclined to favour her. She also feared that she 
should lose the opportunity of obtaining a powerful and efficient ally in 
a war which she wished, on her own account, to wage against her too 
powerful neighbour, and hereditary enemy. Now that by the alliance, 
these objects were secured, she wished, in the particulars which yet re¬ 
mained to be settled, to drive a hard bargain for her services ; and to 
make the Americans think meanly of themselves, would be to enhance the 

30 



HISTORY OF THE 


234' 

value of those services. M. Gerard, in his communications to congress, 
endeavoured, by such means, to make them consent to abandon to 
France the extensive fisheries of Newfoundland; and to Spain,the ex¬ 
clusive navigation of the Mississippi. The alliance of Spain was also 
to be thrown into the scale ; and the advantages of this were magnified. 
But congress were not deceived; they refused the specious bait; and 
Spain, having precisely the same policy as France, and the same desire 
to humble England, declared war against that power, to suit her own 
purposes ; without succeeding in making America believe, ^at she 
did it for her sake. 

The British ministry had, in the spring, sent out Admiral Arbuthnot 
with a reinforcement lor the American service. He was, however, de¬ 
layed by the way, and did not arrive until August. Under convoy of ’ 
his fleet. Sir Henry Clinton, with 7,000 men, sailed in December from 
New-York, for the south, and after a tempestuous and protracted voy¬ 
age, landed at Tybee Island, in the neighbourhood of Savannah, the 
last of January. Gen. Lincoln' with his army, was, at the close of this 
year, in winter quarters, at Shelden; and Washington, dividing his army 
into two parts, sent one division to take post at West Point, and him¬ 
self, with the other, occupied the heights of Morristown. 


SECTION XI. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1780. 

Fresh indications of hostility towards England were manifested by 
the European powers. She had for a considerable period been mistress 
of the sea, and she had borne her honours haughtily. She claimed the 
right of searching the vessels of neutral nations, for articles contraband 
of war ; nor would she allow their national flag to protect tljem from 
her troublesome and insulting scrutiny. A common feeling of indigna¬ 
tion, at this conduct, pervaded the nations ; which, by the policy of Cath¬ 
arine H. of Russia, England was made to feel, without the power of 
The armed neu- resenting. On the occasion of the irritation produced 

- by the search and seizure of a number of Dutch vessels, 

sailing under the convoy of the Count de Byland, that princess proposed 
to the nations to unite in an “ armed neutraliiy and immediately the 
kings of Denmark and Sweden acceded to the proposal. The treaty 




REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


235 


to which they were mutually bound, and which constituted the basis 
of this confederac)'^, stipulated, that neutral vessels might freely navigate 
from one port to another, even upon the coast of belligerent powers ;— 
that all effects become free so soon as they are on board a neutral ves¬ 
sel, except such articles, as by a former specified treaty, had been de¬ 
clared contraband ;—that no port should be deemed blockaded, until 
such an actual naval force had invested it, as to make its entrance dan¬ 
gerous ;—that when any vessel had shown by its papers, that it was not 
the carrier of contraband goods, it might place itself under the escort 
of ships of war, which should prevent its being stopped ;—and finally, 
that the legality of prizes should be determined by these rules. In or¬ 
der to command respect for this confederation, the three allied powers 
agreed that each should keep a part of its navy equij)ped, and make 
common cause in protecting their common trade. These articles were 
communicated to the courts of France, Spain, Holland, England, and 
Portugal, with an invitation to join the confederacy. The two formei 
expressed great admiration of their wisdom, and joy in their adoption ; 
and not only acceded to them, but wished the northern powers to under- 
stand, that by their directions to their admirals, they had already anti¬ 
cipated them. Portugal, fearful of offending England, declined the 
alliance. England threatened with vengeance the states of Holland, if 
they departed from the old system of neutrality ; but Holland, irritated 
at the seizure of her vessels, and partaking in the common feeling of 
resentment towards England, disregarded these threats, and joined the 
armed neutrality. The British ministry, unwilling to come to an open 
rupture with Russia, but determined not to admit the principles of the 
confederacy, dissembled, for the present, their disj)leasure, and replied 
to the invitation in a vague and indecisive manner. 

Surrounded by so many perils, it is not strange that England prose¬ 
cuted the American war with less energy, than she had done in pre¬ 
ceding years. Yet she manifested no signs of fear or discouragement 
The only change which took place in her policy respecting the Ameri¬ 
can contest, was that before stated ; to draw all her troops to the south, 
except so many as should enable her to keep possession of the posts 
already acquired at the north. 

Sir Henry Clinton, as we have before noticed, had arrived in the 
vicinity of Savannah, with 7,000 men. On the 10th of February, he 
set sail for Charleston, and landing within thirty miles of the city, took 
possession of John’s Island and Stono Ferry, and afterwards of Wap- 
poo Cut and James Island, while a part of his army took post on the 
banks of Ashley river, opposite Charleston. Having sent to New-York 
and Savannah for men and stores, his army was soon increased by 1,200 
troops from Savannah, under Gen. Patterson. Not doubting but that 
Charleston would be attacked. General Lincoln removed thither with 


236 


HISTORY OF THE 


his army; and in conjunction with Governor Rutledge, to whom the 
state had confided dictatorial powers, tried every measure to put the 
city in a posture of defence. But they had great difficulties to encounter. 
The militia had been disbanded ; they were dispirited, and afraid to 
enter Charleston on account of the small pox, which was there pre¬ 
vailing. Paper currency was out of credit, and many becoming dis¬ 
couraged, as to the final success of the republican cause, took advantage 
of the amnesty which had been offered by Prevost. A considerable 
force was however collected, and great diligence was displayed in con¬ 
structing fortifications. 

April 1. The siege commenced on the 1st of April, and the ene- 
jyjy ’^vere employed at succeeding periods, in erecting 

-^- batteries across Charleston Neck, while the garrison 

were equally assiduous in preparing for defence. Gen. Lincoln had 
posted Gen. Huger, with a detachment at Monk’s Corner ; which was 
driven from this position, on the 14th of April, by the British troops, 
under colonels Webster, Ferguson, and Tarleton; and thus the only 
road by which a retreat could be effected, was at the command of the 
besiegers. Their force also was, about this time, increased by the ar¬ 
rival of 3,000 troops from New-York. The British fleet had, on the 
9th of April, passed fort Moultrie, without making an attack, losing by 
its guns, only twenty-seven men, and then anchored near fort Johnson. 
Clinton, the same day, completed the first parallel across Charleston 
Neck, about 1,100 yards from the American works; and after vainly 
summoning the garrison to surrender, he opened his batteries upon the 
town. Col. Pinckney, who commanded fort Moultrie, having withdrawn 
his troops to Charleston, that fort was surrendered on the 7th of May. 

Gen. Lincoln being thus completely surrounded, capitu- 
C^Stoifis iated on the 12th, surrendering his whole army, which 

surrendered to consisted of seveii general officers, ten continental regi- 
the British. f t i i i ° r- 

- raents, and three battalions, hour hundred pieces of 

artillery, and four frigates fell into the hands of the enemy. 

The successful operations of the British in the siege of Charleston, 
and in the defence made at the close of the last year, at Savannah, are 
by historians attributed, in a great degree, to the superior skill of their 
chief engineer, Moncrieff. ^ 

After taking possession of the capital, Clinton planned three expedi- 
tions, all of which proved successful; one against Ninety-Six, one 
towards the Savannah river, and the third to scour the country between 
the Cooper and Santee rivers. The object of the last was to disperse 
a body of republicans, under Col. Burford, who were retiring, by forced 
marches, in hopes to meet another body of Americans, who were on 
the march from Salisbury to Charlotte. Burfort continued his retreat 
with such celerity, that it appeared next to impossible to overtake him. 




REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


237. 


But Col. Tarleton, the most active of Clinton’s officers, 
commaiKled the pursuit, and after marching 105 miles in Tarleton surpri- 
54 hours, on the 28th of May, he came up with Burford, wacsaw!^'^ 

at Wacsaw. The English victory was complete, but it -——■ 

was stained with cruelty. They massacred many of those who offered 
to surrender, and from this time the proverbial mode of expressing the 
barbarous act of killing those who surrender, was, “ Tarleton’s quar¬ 
ter.” Thus the cavalry, which Clinton had brought with him, had 
proved of essential service to his arms; and the alert, yet sanguinary 
Tarleton, at that period, seemed, to the terrified inhabitants, to be every 
where present. 

There no longer remained, in South Carolina, a force capable of 
withstanding the British. The inhabitants flocked from all parts to 
meet the royal troops, and declare their desire of resuming their ancient 
allegiance. Clinton wrote to England, that South Carolina was Eng¬ 
lish again.” But he was aware that his conquests could not be pre¬ 
served, but by re-establishing the civil administration. 

He published a full pardon to all who should immediately to estaWisl^the 
return to their duty. But they must consider themselves 

established in the duties, as well as the rights of British —- 

subjects ; that is, they w'ere required to take up arms in support of the 
royal government; those who had families, to form a militia for home 


defence ; but those who had not, to serve with the royal forces, for any 
six months of the ensuing twelve. Thus citizens became armed against 
citizens ; and brothers against brothers. 

Gen. Clinton, seeing the affairs of the south in appa¬ 
rent tranquillity, distributed his army, amounting to about June. 
4,000 troops, into the most important garrisons ; and, to New-York. 
leaving Lord Cornwallis in the command of the southern'" ~~ 
forces, returned to New-York. That city had been exposed to danger. 
The garrison was weak; and such had been the unparalleled severity of 
the winter, that Washington might have marched his army, with all his 
artillery and baggage, across any of its surrounding, and now solid 
waters. But the miserable condition of the American army, would not 
allow the commander to take advantage of this unexpected circumstance. 

Previous to the return of Clinton, Gen. Knyphausen, who had been 
left in command, had, with 5,000 men, made an excursion into New 
Jersey, and for a time occupied Elizabethtown. He had manoeuvred 
to draw Washington from the heights of Morristown, intending to oc¬ 
cupy that strong post himself, and thus force the American army into 
the open country; but his plan was penetrated, and his 23 

expedition proved fruitless. Before his return, an affair Skirmish at 
occurred near Springfield, in which Gen., Greene, who New"lersey. 
was sent by Washington, to watch the motions of Kny- ——- 






238 HISTORY OF THE [1780. 

phaubv,.!, lost about eighty men, and the British, as was supposed, some¬ 
what more. Springfield, which consisted of fifty houses, was set on 
fire. At sight of the flames, the inhabitants aroused. The spirit of 
the early days of the revolution rekindled. They collected in such 
numbers, and pursued the British with such violence, that their general 
was glad to take advantage of the night, to withdraw his army from the 
open country of Jersey to the defences of New-York. - 



SECTION XII. 


. CAItrPAIGN OF 1780. 

• - [Continued.] 

1780 period, congress had maintained their bills 

Congress obliged their nominal value, and had often declared, that a 

to sanction the dollar in paper should always be given and received for 

depreciation oi . ^ ® . 

paper currency, a dollar in silver. But compelled to yield to the pressure 

of circumstances, they now decided, that, in future, the 
bills should pass, not at their nominal, but at their conventional value. 

The government, which Sir Henry Clinton established in South 
Carolina, had first made such a decree ; and had caused a table to be 
constructed, showing what had been the rate of depreciation, and the 
actual value of the bills, in years, and even in months past. The ob¬ 
ject of this calculation was to obtain a rule, by which the payment of 
debts might be regulated. This example congress found it expedient 
to follow. 

In Carolina and Georgia, the British saw, with chagrin, that there 
were still those who were devoted to the cause of independence; and 
th«ir resentment dictated measures of extraordinary rigour. Their 
possessions were sequestrated, their families jealously, watched, and 
subjected, as rebels, to continual vexations. Within the city, they were 
refused access to the tribunals, if they had suits to bring against a 
debtor; while, on the other hand, they were abandoned to all the pro¬ 
secutions which those who had, or pretended to have claims against 
them, chose to institute. 

Oppressive mea- there was Still another more grievous injury, and 

suites of Bn- qjj0 which stung the Carolinians to madness. This was 
--- the proclamation by which the British commanders had 




1780.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


239 


absolved tlie prisoners of war from their parole, and restored them to 
the condition of British subjects, in order to compel them to fight under 
the royal banner. Had they been suffered to remain at home, they 
would, by degrees, have become reconciled to what they could not but 
feel to be the degradation of their country. But with the requirement 
to take up arms, their wrath rekindled. “ If we must fight,” said they, 
“ it shall be for America and our friends, not for England and 
strangers.” 

The heroism of the women of Carolina gives them a 
rank with the noblest patriots of the revolution. They of the 

gloried in being called “ rebel ladies.” They refused Carolina, 
their presence at every scene of gayety. Like the 
daughters of captive Zion, they would not, in their captivity, amuse 
their conquerors. But, at every hazard, they honoured, with their at¬ 
tention, the brave defenders of their country. They sought out and 
relieved the suffering soldiers, visited prison ships, and descended into 
loathsome dungeons. Sisters encouraged their brothers to fight the 
oppressor; the mother gave his arms to her son, and the wife to her 
husband ; and their parting advice was, “ prefer prisons to infamy, and 
death to servitude.” 

Where important national affairs are concerned, there is a certain 
degree of warmth and animation, which, pervading the public mind, 
marks the healthy state of a nation. When this has risen to an unna¬ 
tural heat, a period of lassitude and inertness succeeds, before the 
national pulse again recovers its healthful beat. Such a preternatural 
state of public feeling was excited in xA.merica, by the wrongs of Britain, 
and produced the noble efforts of the days of ’76. But it was not in 
human nature to keep long strained to such a high pitch of elevation. 
The period of lassitude succeeded, and in ’79, the nation seemed 
asleep. But its sleep recruited its vital energies. The enemy, 
contemning its apparent weakness, had applied the scourge of a bar¬ 
barian warfare. Its effects, though cruel to individuals, were whole¬ 
some to the body politic : and America aroused from its slumbers, and 
awoke to better deeds. The leading patriots saw with delight, the 
rising enthusiasm of the people, and neglected no means which could 
cherish and propagate it. Congress sent circular letters to all vthe 
states, earnestly exhorting them to complete their regiments, and raise 
and send recruits to the army. The militia obeyed the Exertions to 
call with alacrity. The capitalists subscribed large sums, raise money for 
to replenish the exhausted treasury. A bank was insti- thearmy^^'^^ ° 
tuted at Philadelphia, on which congress could draw for 
the necessities of the army. With generous patriotism, commercial 
bouses and wealthy individuals stepped forward to support the public 




240 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1780. 


credit, by their personal responsibility, although the situation of affairs 
still offered too many motives of doubt and distrust. 

Nor was this patriotic zeal to strengthen the sinews of war by fill¬ 
ing the public chest, and providing for the wants of the soldiers, confined 
to the men. The women in all parts of the country, displayed great 
zeal and activity, particularly in providing clothing for the soldiers. 
Society of la Philadelphia, they formed a society, at the head of 

dies; ‘and clia- which was Martha Washington, wife of the commander- 
\v^ashingtoii.*^ in-chief. This lady was as prudent in private, as her 
husband was in public aftairs. In his absence, she pre¬ 
sided over the domestic finances, and provided for the common house¬ 
hold. Partaking of the complacent dignity and calm temperament of 
her husband, she had no caprices to disturb his affections, in that cita¬ 
del of man’s happiness, the conjugal relation. Thus it was owing to 
the talents and virtues of his wife, that Washington could give himself 
wholly to the dictates of that patriotism, which this virtuous pair mutually 
shared, and reciprocally invigorated. 

Mrs. Washington, with the ladies who had formed the society, them- 
selves subscribed considerable sums for the public; and having ex¬ 
hausted their own means, they exerted their influence,'and went from 
house to house, to stimulate the liberality of others. 


SECTION XIH. 


CAMPAIGN OF 1780. 


[Continued. 


1780 ' period. La Fayette returned with the cheering 

La Fayette re- intelligence, that a body of French troops had, at the 
lica.^ departure, embarked for America, and that 

—^- the ships in which they had taken passage, were on the 

point of setting sail from France. His exertions in that country had 
accelerated their departure, and he had again come, self-devoted to the 
generous cause of freedom. He was received by all classes, with the 
ardent affection, which his bland manners and interesting person ex¬ 
cited, and which his services and talents commanded. 

July 10. expected succours soon arrived at Rhode Island. 

AP’renchsquad- They Consisted of a squadron of seven sail of the line, 
frigates, and two corvettes, commanded by M. de 
^ Ternay. This fleet convoyed a number of transports, 





1780.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


341 


beanng 6,000 soldiers, under the command of the Count de Rocham- 
beau. An agreement had been made between congress and the court 
of Versailles, that Gen. Washington should be the commander-in.chief 
of all the forces, both French and American. The French were wel- 
corned with every demonstration of gratitude, and put in immediate 
possession of the forts on Rhode Island. Washino-ton, in order to cement 
more firmly the union between the two nations, ordered the distinctive 
colours of the national flags, to be blended in the banners of his army. 

At New York, Admiral Arbuthnot, whose force had consisted of four 
ships of the line, was now reinforced by the arrival of six ships, under 
Admiral Greaves. General Clinton determined on attacking the French 
at Rhode Island. He accordingly embarked on board the squadron of 
Admiral Greaves, with 6,000 choice troops, and sailed for Rhode Island. 
Washington, in the mean-while, having watched the movements of 
Clinton, immediately marched his army to Kingsbridge, with the inten- 
■ tion of attacking New-York, which was now left almost defenceless. 
But Clinton learning this movement, and finding also that the French 
were reinforced at Rhode Island, by the New England militia, relin- 
quished the expedition, and returned to the defence of New-York. 
The indecision and timidity manifested by the British, on this occasion 
infused new courage into the Americans. 

While these events were transpiring at the north, the inhabitants ol 
the south were not inactive. The insolence of the Bri- ^ ^ 
tish troops had become insupportable ; and the inha- fare, 
bitants of North and South Carolina had assembled in ' ~ 

numbers, and Seized every opportunity of harassing them. Among the 
officers, who headed these desultory parties, none rendered such distin¬ 
guished service to their country, as colonels Sumpter and Marion. 
Sumpter was a native of South Carolina, and possessed an extensive 
influence with his fellow citizens. He collected great numbers of the 
inhabitants, and although they were compelled to trust to chance for 
their means of subsistence, and to use their implements of husbandry 
for weapons of war, yet they menaced the enemy in all directions. 
The resources of these patriots were few. In some instances they 
were known to encounter the enemy with but three charges of ammu¬ 
nition to a man. Their frequent skirmishes with the British, however, 
soon furnished them with muskets and cartridges; and when thus 
equipped. Col. Sumpter, whose numbers now amounted to six hundred 
men, determined upon attacking some of their strong posts. His first 
attempt was upon Rocky Mount, where he was repulsed ; ^ 

he then attacked the post at Hanging Rock, and destroy- Sumptc^ defeats 
( ed a British regiment, stationed at that place. Perfectly {Jangkig ntcL ^ 

acquainted with every part of the country, he was ena- - 

bled to elude all pursuit. This partisan warfare, while it weakened the 

31 




HISTORY OF THE 


3^ 


[1780. 


Baron de Kalb 
enters North Ca¬ 
rolina with a 
considerable 
force,and is join¬ 
ed by General 
Gates. 


number of the English, emboldened the Americans, and strengthened 
their confidence in themselves. 

In the meantime a few regular troops, under the com¬ 
mand of the Baron de Kalb, had been sent from Mary¬ 
land to the defence of Carolina. Owing to the exces¬ 
sive heat of the season, and the difficulty of procuring 
provisions, they necessarily proceeded by slow marches. 

On their way, however, they were reinforced by the Vir¬ 
ginia militia, and the troops of North Carolina, commanded by General 
Caswell. At Deep river they were joined, on the 25th of July, by 
Gen. Gates, who had been appointed to the command of the southern 
army. He immediately advanced towards South Carolina with a force 
amounting to about 4,000 men. When he arrived on the frontiers of 
the state, he issued a proclamation, inviting the inhabitants to join him, 
and promised pardon to all, from whom oaths had been extorted by the 
English, excepting those who had committed depredations against the 
persons and property of their fellow citizens. His proclamation had 
the desired effect. Multitudes flocked to him, and even whole compa¬ 
nies, which had been levied in the provinces for the service of the king, 
deserted. 

Lord Rawdon, who had the command of the British forces on the 
frontiers of Carolina, had concentrated them at Camden. On learning 
the approach of Gates, he gave immediate notice to Cornwallis, who 
soon after joined him. At ten, on the night of the 15th of August, his 
lordship marched from Camden with his whole force, 
amounting to 2,000 men, with the intention of attacking 
the Americans in their camp at Clermont. Gates had 
also commenced his march from Clermont, with the view 
- of surprising the British camp. About two in the morn¬ 
ing, the advanced guards of the two armies met and fired upon each 
other. From prisoners made on both sides, the commanders learned 
each other’s movements. The two generals suspended their fire, wait¬ 
ing for the light of day, and the armies having halted, were formed in 
the order of battle. The ground on which they had met was exceed¬ 
ingly unfavourable to Gates; he could not advance to the attack but 
through a narrow way, bordered by a deep swamp, and the situation 
rendered the superiority of the American numbers of no effect. In the 
morning a severe and general action was fought. The Virginia and 
North Carolina militia fled in the commencement of the battle, and 
General Gates in vain attempted to rally them. The continentals were 
thus left to maintain the contest, and though they defended themselves 
with great bravery, and several times gained ground, yet they were un¬ 
able to restore the fortune of the day. The rout became general, the 
Americans fled in the greatest disorder. Tliey were pursued by the 


Aug. 16. 

Battle nearCam- 
den, and defeat 
of the Ameri¬ 
cans. 




1780.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


‘^43 


British twenty-three miles. The whole loss of the Americans in killed, 
wounded, and prisoners, was about two thousand. Genei;al Gregory 
was killed; the Baron de Kalb, who was wounded, and Gen. Ruther¬ 
ford, were taken prisoners. All the artillery, baggage, and stores, fell 
into the hands of the enemy. The loss of the British amounted to 
only three hundred and twenty-four. 

Baron de Kalb died of his wounds three days after the „ , 

battle. Gen. Gates retreated to North Carolina, leaving Kalb, 
the British triumphant in the south. 

Col. Sumpter continued to show himself on the banks of the Wa- 
teree; but on learning the defeat of Gates, he retired with 300 men, 
and two field pieces, to North Carolina. Tarleton, with 
his legion, was sent in pursuit of him, and surprised him 
on the banks of Fishing creek. Sumpter, with a few of 
liis men, escaped; but most of them were taken by 
Tarleton, and put to the sword. 

Col. Marion, who about this time was promoted to the rank of briga¬ 
dier-general, still kept the field. Sheltering himself in the fastnesses 
of the mountains, he occasionally sallipd out upon the British and to¬ 
nes, and seldom failed of surprising and capturing such small parties, 
as with his small force it was prudent for him to attack. 


Aug. 18. 
Tarleton surpri¬ 
ses and defeats 
Sumpter. 


SECTION XIV. 

campaign of 1780. 

[Continued.] 


While these affairs were transacting at the south, an unexpected 
event occurred at the north, which arrested the general attention. A 
design which had for some time been maturing in darkness was now 
brought to light. Arnold, the loudest to proclaim his Arnold’s trea- 
patriotism, the fiercest to fight for his country, had bar- son. 
gained to sell that country for gold! and he had nearly 
accomplished his wicked purpose. 

Arnold was dear to the American people; he had been valiant in 
their service, and his maimed person bore the marks of the field of Sa¬ 
ratoga. On account of his wounds he was obliged to retire from ac¬ 
tive service. He solicited and obtained from congress, the post of 
commandant of Philadelphia. 

H/prp Arnold lived in nrincelv magnificence. He Inhabited the house 






244 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1780. 


of Gov. Penn, gave it a splendid furnishing, and it became a scene of 
high play, sumptuous banquets, and expensive balls. To support this 
pageantry, Arnold resorted to commerce and privateering. In these 
he was unfortunate, and his next resource was the public treasure, to 
which, as an officer of the government, he had means of access. He 
presented accounts unworthy of a general. Congress was indignant, 
and caused them to be investigated. The commissioners which they 
appointed, reduced them to one half. Arnold stormed, and appealed 
to congress. A committee of its members re-investigated, and found 
his accounts worse than even the report of the commissioners had^ 
stated them. Arnold now wreaked his vengeance, by the most shame¬ 
less invectives against congress. The state of Pennsylvania took up 
the quarrel, accused him of peculation, and brought him before a court 
martial. By this court he was sentenced to be reprimanded by 
Washington. 

From what other quarter could he obtain the money to support his 
extravagance, since the last resource had failed ? The coffers of Eng¬ 
land, he knew, might be opened to supply him. Treason bore with 
her a high price. He should also obtain revenge on the objects of his 
wrath: and for these motives he resolved to sell himself and his coun¬ 
try. He developed his intention in a letter which he addressed to Col. 
Robinson, by whom it was communicated to Sir Henry Clinton. De¬ 
termined to make the most of his new ally, Clinton revolved in his 
mind what was the most important service which could be rendered 
him, while Arnold’s treachery remained concealed. The foe within 
the fortress, is employed by its enemy to open the gate. This was the 
nature of the service which Arnold was to perform for the enemies of 
his country; and, instigated by Clinton, he sought and obtained of the 
unsuspecting Washington, the command of the fortress at West Point. 
As Arnold passed up the river to assume his command, how must those 
guardian mountains, whose rugged passes had so often sheltered the 
little army of his country, have seemed to frown upon the traitor, who 
was about to deliver it up to the enemy ! His first measure was to 
scatter his forces at different points, so that they might be easily cut 
off by the British ; all was ready, and a few days would have consum¬ 
mated his treason ; but a providential disclosure saved America. 

Major Andre, the aid-de-camp of Gen. Clinton, had been by him en¬ 
trusted with the negotiation. This young officer is represented, by 
those who knew him, as being, both in person and mind, one of the 
most perfect specimens of human nature, and as concentrating all the 
qualities which the writer of romance is fond of attributing to the hero 
of the tale. He was manly, yet gracefully elegant; bold, yet tender , 
and firm, yet ingenuous. Sir Henry Clinton loved him as a son; and 
such was his confidence in his talents, that he intrusted to him this 


1780 .] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


245 


most important, difficult, and hazardous service. Probably, however, 
the partiality of Clinton threw a false light around its object; for An¬ 
dre was not the proper man for such an enterprise. Had he been 
more crafty and subtle, he might have conducted the plot to its 
consummation. 

Arnold and Andre had corresponded under the feigned names of 
Gustavus and Anderson. As the crisis approached, they conceived 
that a personal interview was necessary, in order to concert their last 
measures. On the night of the 21st of September, Andre landed from 
the British sloop of war Vulture, which Clinton had stationed near 
West Point, to facilitate the negotiation. Arnold and Andre spent the 
whole night in conference ; and when the day dawned, their disposi¬ 
tions were not all concluded. 

Andre was concealed through the day, and at night he prepared to 
return. By the entreaties of Arnold, he was prevailed upon to change 
his uniform for a common dress, instead of concealing it as he had for¬ 
merly done by a cloak. He took a horse from Arnold, and a passport, 
under the name of John Anderson. He had safely passed the Ameri¬ 
can guard, and had reached Tarrytown, near the British posts, when 
three soldiers of the militia crossed his way, and 4ie passed on. One 
of them thought the traveller had something peculiar in his appearance, 
and called him back. Andre inquired, “ where are you from 
“ From below,’’ (intending to be understood from New-York,) replied 
the soldier. “ So am I,” said the self-betrayed Andre. The soldiers 
arrested him, and he did not attempt to conceal that he jg 

was a British officer. He offered them every bribe - 

which he thought could tempt men like them. He pleaded with all 
the energy inspired by the love of life, and by the momentous concerns 
that his preservation then involved, to his country, and his beloved 
general. But the humble patriots spurned the bribe, and were deaf to 
the entreaty. Their names were John Paulding, David Williams, and 
Isaac Van Wert. They searched his person, and found papers in his 
boots, in the hand writing of Arnold, which disclosed the treason. 
They immediately conducted Andre to Col. Jameson, the officer at 
West Point, who commanded the advanced guard. This officer hesi¬ 
tated. He could not be persuaded that his general would betray that 
country for which he had shed his blood; and he indiscreetly permit¬ 
ted Andre to write to him. Arnold thus learned that Andre was ar¬ 
rested, and, seizing a boat, escaped on board the Vulture. 

Washington, during these transactions, had been called, by some af¬ 
fairs, to Hartford, in Connecticut; but, shocked and alarmed at the 
news, he hastened to his camp. His first care was to learn whether 
Arnold had accomplices. Convinced by a strict scrutiny that none of 



246 HISTORY OF THE [1780. 

his other officers were guilty, his next was the painful duty of bringing 
to trial and execution, the interesting young Andre. 

Although, from the usages of war, Washington might have given his 
prisoner, found as he was in disguise, the same hasty execution as 
Howe had some years before given to the equally interesting young 
Hale, yet he was aware, that in this transaction the eyes of Europe and 
America would be upon him, and his heart inclined him to mercy. He 
therefore summoned a court martial; and was caretul to appoint a tri- 
bunal of whom none could complain, and who would be as merciful as 
public safety would allow. La Fayette and Greene were among its 
members; and who could doubt, if such men, with all the kindness ol 
their nature, gave sentence of death, that such must have' been the 
stern dictate of their military duty. 

From this fate. Sir Henry Clinton strove, with all the earnestness of 
a tender father, to shield his favourite. He wrote to Washington, urg¬ 
ing, that whatever Andre had done, especially his change of dress, was 
by the direction of Arnold, an American general;—he urged, that his 
detention was a violation ^f the sanctity of flags, and the usages of na¬ 
tions. Arnold also wrote in his favour, endeavouring to charge him¬ 
self with the blame of the transaction; and alleging, that in his cha¬ 
racter, as an American general, he had a right to grant to Andre the 
usual privilege of a flag, for the purpose of conferring with him, and to 
provide for his safe return in any manner he should choose. 

Andre appeared before his judges with a noble frankness. He was 
calm and composed, as to his own fate, but anxious to screen his friends, 
especially Sir Henry Clinton. He disguised no fact, and resorted to 
no subterfuge. He ingenuously disavowed what Clinton and Arnold 
had mainly urged in his defence, that he had come under the protec¬ 
tion of a flag; and the fact was unquestioned that he was in disguise. 
Grieving at the sentence they were compelled to pronounce, his judges 
condemned him to death as a spy. Clinton, smitten with anguish, 
again sought to negotiate his release ; and Washington, at his request, 
sent Gen. Greene down the river to meet and confer with Gen. Robin¬ 
son. This friend of Andre exerted all the powers of reasoning to con¬ 
vince Gen. Greene that the sentence was unjust. 'Failing in that, he 
urged his release on the score of interest; he promised, that any Ame¬ 
rican, charged with whatever crime, should be exchanged for Andre; 
and he hinted that the sparing of his favourite, would do much in the 
mind of the British commander in favour of the Americans. Finding 
all these efforts unavailing, he resorted to threats. He delivered a let- 
ter from Arnold, which contained the declaration, that if Andre was ex¬ 
ecuted, the rebels of Carolina, hitherto spared by Clinton, should all 
be put to instant death. This interference of Arnold would have in- 


♦ 






























































































































































































































































































































































































































































































[ 1780 . 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


247 


jured the cause it designed to serve, had not that cause been already 
hopeless. 

Andre prepared to meet his approaching fate, as became a man. 
Life, and its fair prospects, he could calmly relinquish : but there were 
circumstances relating to his domestic affections, and his honour, which 
touched his heart. His widowed mother and his sisters, on the far shore 
of an intervening ocean, were watching for every vessel that might 
bring them news of him. One would reach them, in a few weeks ; 
and who would console them for its tidings! and must they learn not 
only that he was dead, but that he died upon the gallows ! There was 
the bitterness of death; and he besought Washington, that he might 
be allowed to die by the musket, and not by the halter. The cruel 
rules of that sanguinary science, which philanthropy hopes may, in 
some future age, cease to exist, compelled Washington to deny even 
this poor request. Andre then asked permission to write to Sir Henry 
Clinton, which was granted ; and to the care of this general, he com¬ 
mended his widowed mother, and afflicted sisters. Brought to the gal¬ 
lows, he said, “ And must I die thus ?” The burst of 
grief was calmed by devotion. After a few minutes 
spent in prayer, he said, with composure, to those around 
him, “ bear me witness that I die, as a brave man should die and the 
scene closed. 

Arnold received from the British £10,000, and the 
rank of brigadier-general. For this he bartered his 
honour, his peace, and his fame;—changing the high 
esteem of the public into general detestation. The English, although 
they stooped to purchase the treason, could not but despise the traitor. 
Even his innocent children could not defend their little rights among 
their playmates ; but the finger of scorn was pointed at them, and they 
were hissed with “ traitor,” “ traitor.”* 

The three captors of Andre were honoured as benefactors to their 
country. They received the thanks of congress, a silver medal, and a 
pension for life. 

Cornwallis, after the battle of Camden, directed his 
attention to the subjugation of North Carolina ; and with 
that view, commenced his march from Camden towards 

Charlottetown. But, in order to maintain the royal cause -^- 

in South Carolina, he distributed detachments of troops upon different 


Oct. 2. 
Execution of 
Andre. 


Arnold reward¬ 
ed, but despised. 


Sept. 

Cornwallis ar¬ 
rives at Char¬ 
lottetown. - 


* T had this little fact from a lady, who was herself a schoolmate of Arnold’s children. 
It was hard upon these innocent beings; but it may be usefully related. Perhaps, could 
Arnold have known the insults to whicli his conduct would have e.xposed his children, he 
would have paused, before it was too late, in his career of degeneracy: and the same reflec¬ 
tion may save some future father, when tempted to a deed of dishonour. 





248 HISTORY OF THE [1780. 


parts of the frontier. He arrived at Charlottetown about the last ot 
September. 

In the meantime, Col. Ferguson, who had been previously sent into 
the province by Lord Cornwallis, had committed acts of so barbarous 
a nature, as to awaken the highest indignation. Wherever he went, 
devastation marked his progress, and the people determined no longer 
to submit to his atrocities. The mountaineers collected in great num¬ 
bers, under several commanders, the principal of whom were Camp¬ 
bell, Shelby, and Cleveland ; and arming themselves with such weapons 
as could most easily be obtained, they descended to the plain, in pur- 
suit of Ferguson. They found him posted on a woody eminence, called 
King’s Mountain. This spot commanded the adjacent plain, and the 
road, leading to it, was defended by an advanced guard. The guard 

Oct 7 were soon compelled to fall back, and the mountaineers 
Defeat of Fer- advanced towards the summit. After a vigorous contest, 
Mounta\rf*"^ ^ Americans reached the brow of the hill. Ferguson 

- fell, and 300 of his party were killed and wounded. His 

successor in command surrendered. This defeat was a severe blow 
to Cornwallis, and rendered his situation in North Carolina dangerous. 

The loyalists, intimidated, no longer evinced an eagerness to join 
his cause. The republicans assembled under colonels Sumpter and 
Marion, in whom they had equal confidence, made every effort to an- 
noy him ; and the royal troops were m continual danger of being sur¬ 
prised by these active leaders. Under these circumstances, he found 
it most prudent to retire to South Carolina, and await the reinforce¬ 
ments which he there expected to receive. He accordingly repassed 
the Catawba, and stationed his army at Winnsborough, where he could 
conveniently hold communication with the forces at Camden and 
Ninety-Six. 


In order to co-operate with Lord Cornwallis, Sir Henry 
Descent upon Clinton had detached Gen. Leslie, with a corps of 3,000 
\^nm^- Virginia. They landed at Portsmouth, and ra¬ 

vaged the adjacent countiy ; but, in consequence of the defeat of Fer¬ 
guson, Cornwallis ordered Gen. Leslie to embark for Charleston. 

Col. Sumpter continued to harass the British on all sides. He had 
surprised some small detachments, and made many prisoners. Tarle- 
ton was now sent by Cornwallis, to surprise this formidable ofiicer. 
He found him posted at Blackstocks, near Tiger river. Tarleton com¬ 
menced the attack with great impetuosity, but Sumpter soon compelled 
^ him to retreat. Sumpter was, however, dangerously wounded, and 
being unable to retain the command of his forces, they were disbanded. 

Dec. 2. Gen. Gates had, during the period of these transac- 

Gates is super- tions, exerted himself to collect new troops, and had 
— greatly improved the condition of his army. He was, 





1781.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


249 


however, superseded in command, by General Greene. This officer 
found the army at Charlottetown ; and, notwithstanding the exertions 
of Gates, it was still feeble, and unable to cope with Cornwallis. He, 
therefore, determined not to hazard a general action, but to harass, if 
possible, the British army, and reduce it by degrees. 

Gen. Leslie, with a reinforcement of 1,500 men, now Arnold makes a 
joined Cornwallis, at Winnsborough. This accession of virgin^ 

troops renewed his hopes of reducing North Carolina and -- 

Virginia. In order to render the success of the enterprise more cer¬ 
tain, and to prevent the Virginians from sending succours to Greene, 
Arnold had been sent to the Chesapeake, with 50 transports and 1,600 
men. He landed his troops in Virginia, and immediately commenced, 
what now seemed has favourite occupation, the devastation of his country. 


SECTION XV. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1781. 

England, during the past year, had shown herself a 1780-81 

brave and powerful nation. Though alone in arms, -^ 

against both hemispheres, she remained unshaken. The favourite ob¬ 
jects of Spain, next to humbling the maritime power of England, Were 
the possession of Gibraltar and Jamaica, and the recovery of the Flo- 
ridas. She had, at immense expense, laid and continued the siege of 
Gibraltar, which, under its commander, Elliot, made the most obstinate 
defence found in the annals of modern history. She had also sent out 
immense fleets, which, uniting with those of France and Holland, had 
twice threatened England with invasion ; but untoward circumstances 
prevented the attempts. The naval operations of the belligerent 
powers were, during these years, of astonishing magnitude ; and neither 
side could, at this period, claim the supremacy of the ocean. Great 
naval battles were fought in the West Indian and European seas; in 
which the allies and the English were each, alternately, the conquerors 
and the conquered. Each also took from the other, on various occa¬ 
sions, large fleets of merchant vessels. But, in these captures, the 
English were the most successful. Several of the West India islands 
changed masters during these contests. Pensacola was, in May, taken 
by the Spaniards, who thence extended their conquests over the whole 
province of Florida. 

Amidst these contests, neither England nor France forgot America. 





250 


iiiJ^iORY OF THE 


[178x. 


France, in addition to the force under Rochambeau, determined to send 
out a large fleet, under the Count de Grasse, which, after performing 
certain services in the West Indies, was to repair to the coast of Ame¬ 
rica, and co-operate with the Count de Rochambeau and Gen. Wash¬ 
ington. This measure proved of the highest importance to America. 

The English exerted an extraordinary activity in equipping a fleet, 
which was to carry Lord Cornwallis a reinforcement of several regi¬ 
ments of English troops, besides 3,000 Hessians. They hoped that 
this addition of force would be sufficient to maintain their former con¬ 
quests, and extend still further the progress of their arms. 

The situation of America had in reality much at this period to give 
hopes to her enemies, and alarms to her friends. The efforts made, 
during the preceding year, and the successes experienced at the south, 
had produced the happy effect of reviving public spirit. But although 
temporary relief had been afforded, no permanent means of supply¬ 
ing the returning and increasing wants of the army, had been pro¬ 
vided ; and from this cause, the country seemed standing on the verge 
of ruin. 

It is scarcely possible to conceive a situation more trying than tliat 
of the American congress. They were fighting, not for conquest, but 
existence ; their powerful foe was in full strength, in the heart of their 
country; they had great military operations to carry on, but were al¬ 
most without an army, and wholly without money. Their bills of 
credit had ceased to be of any worth; and they were reduced to the 
mortifying necessity of declaring, by their own acts, that this was the 
fact; as they no longer made them a legal tender, or received them in 
payment of taxes. Without money of some kind, an army could neither 
be raised, nor maintained. But the greater the exigency, the greater 
were the exertions of this determined band of patriots. They directed 
Exertions of the agents abroad to borrow, if possible, from France, 

American go- Spain, and Holland. They resorted to taxation; although 
rSsTmoney!*^ k^^w that the measure would be unpopular; and 

- that they had not the power to enforce their decree. 

The tax laid was apportioned among the several state governments, 
by whose authority it was to be collected. Perceiving that there was 
either great disorder and waste, or peculation in the management of 
the fiscal concerns, they determined on introducing a thorough reform 
They appoint Strict economy. They accordingly appointed as 

Robert Morris treasurer, Robert Morris, of Philadelphia; a man, whose 

treasurer. ^ r 7 ’ 

pure morals, ardent patriotism, and great knowledge of 
financial concerns, eminently fitted him for this important station. The 
zeal and genius of Morris soon produced the most favourable results. 
By a national bank, to which he obtained the approbation of congress, 
he contrived to draw out the funds of wealthy individuals ; and by bor- 




REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


251 


rowing, in the name of the government, from this bank, and pledging 
for payment the taxes not yet collected, he was enabled to anticipate 
them, and command a ready supj)ly. He also used his own private 
credit, which was good, though that of his government had failed; and, 
at one time, bills, signed by him individually, were in circulation, to the 
amount of five hundred and eighty-one thousand dollars. 

While America thus received this great service from 
the zeal and ability of one of her sons at home, she owed 
not less to the exertions of another of her patriots abroad. 

Franklin, at the court of France, obtained from Louis 
XVI. a gift of six millions of livres; and as Holland refused to lend to 
the United States, on their own credit, the French monarch granted to 
the solicitations of the minister, his guarantee to the States General; 
who, on this security, lent to congress the sum of ten millions of livres. 
Spain refused to furnish money to the United States, unless they would 
renounce the navigation of the Mississippi; which was steadily refused. 

The funds raised from abroad and at home, were expended with the 
utmost prudence. All who furnished supplies, were paid by the trea¬ 
surer, with the strictest punctuality; and public confidence, by degrees, 
sprang up in the place of distrust; order and economy in the room of 
confusion and waste. 

Before these measures had imparted vigour to the fainting republic, 
an event occurred which threatened its subversion; in fact, it was 
one of the causes which led to the reformation in the finance, and the 
establishment of the new system. The whole Pennsylva¬ 
nia line, amounting to near 1,500 men, revolted. They 
were suffering the extremity of want. They had enlisted 
for three years, or during the war; and as the three years 
expired at the close of 1780, tliey contended that they had now a right 
to be discharged, and to return to their homes. The government, liow- 
ever, maintained that they w'ere bound to serve until the close of the 
war. From these causes a violent tumult broke out on the night of 
the 1st of January. The soldiers declared that they w^ould march, 
with arms in their hands, to the hall of congress, and demand justice. 
It was in vain that their officers attempted to appease them. Their most 
popular leader, La Fayette, and others, were constrained to quit the 
camp. Gen. Wayne presented himself boldly among them, with a pis¬ 
tol in his hand ; but they menaced his life, and pointed their bayonets, 
as if to execute their threat. Marching towards Philadelphia, they had 
already advanced from Middlebrook to Princeton, when they were met 
by generals Reed and Sullivan,* who were commissioners appointed by 
congress, to investigate facts, and take measures for the restoration of 
public tranquillity. 

In the meantime, Sir Henry Clinton, informed of these affairs, made 


Jan. 1. 

Revolt of the 
I’eiiiisylvania 
line. 


Franklin ob¬ 
tains money 
from France 
and Holland. 




252 


HISTORY OF THE 


[ 1781 , 


every disposition to draw the mutineers into the service of the British. 
He passed with his forces into Staten Island, and sent three American 
loyalists, to make them the most tempting offers. These the insurgents 
declined. Meanwhile, the commissioners of congress offered to grant 
discharges to those who had enlisted for three years, or during the war. 
They promised remuneration for what they had lost by the depreciation 
of paper securities, the earliest possible payment of arrears, an imme¬ 
diate supply of necessary clothing, and an oblivion of their past con¬ 
duct. The mutineers accepted the proposals; and congress, in due 
time, fulfilled the conditions. The Pennsylvanians then delivered to 
Congress, the emissaries of Clinton, who were immediately hanged. 

A few days after this affair, the troops of New Jersey 
IVcw «Jcrs6v • 

troops revolt. also erected the standard of revolt. Washington instantly 

marched against them with so powerful a force, that he 

compelled them to submit; and chastising their leaders with severity, 

the army was no longer disturbed by sedition. 

In the meantime, the war was vigorously carried on at the south, by 
both the contending parties. Gen. Greene, as has been related, had 
superseded Gates in the command of the southern army, then at Char¬ 
lottetown. This army, which consisted of 2,000 men, he separated 
into two parts. He marched at the head of one division to Hicks 
creek, and encamped at its confluence with the Pedee; while Colonel 
Morgan, at the head of the other, moved by his direction into the 
western part of the state, to guard the passages of the Pacolet. 

Cornwallis, unwilling to advance into North Carolina, 
while Morgan was in his rear, detached Tarleton to op¬ 
pose him with a corps of eleven hundred men, and two 
field pieces. Tarleton found Morgan at a place called 
the Cowpens; and, with his usual impetuosity, commenced the attack. 
After one of the severest engagements, which took place during the 
whole war, the British were" defeated. The disparity of loss in this 
engagement was surprising; while that of the British was three hun¬ 
dred killed and wounded, that of the Americans was only twelve killed, 
and sixty wounded. Col, Morgan took five hundred prisoners^ and all 
the artillery and baggage of the enemy. Colonels Washington, How¬ 
ard, and Pickens distinguished themselves in this action. 

Col. Morgan now directed his march towards Virginia, in order to 
join Gen. Greene. Cornwallis, mortified at the defeat of his favourite 
officer, immediately prepared to pursue him. He in¬ 
tended to intercept him on his route, retake the prisoners, 
and prevent his junction with Greene. He then de¬ 
signed to proceed to the sources of the Yadkin, before 
' Greene could have crossed that river, and thus the last 

portion of the divided army would be his. Both Morgan and Cornwal- 


Jan. 17. 

Battle of Cow 
pens. 


Morgan is pur¬ 
sued by Corn¬ 
wallis, but is 
saved by the rise 
of waters. 





1781.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


253 


lis now proceeded by forced marches towards the Catawba, each exert¬ 
ing themselves to reach the fords before the other. Morgan reached 
the Catawba, and had crossed it but two hours, when the British ap¬ 
peared on the opposite bank. Night coming on, Cornwallis was 
obliged to delay crossing until morning. A heavy rain fell, and in the 
morning the ford was impassable. Three days was the impatient Corn¬ 
wallis obliged to wait, before the subsiding waters allowed him to pass. 

In the meantime, Greene, anxious for the fate of the pursued troops, 
had left his army under the command of Gen. Huger, to make their way 
toward the sources of the rivers, where they were fordable, and had him¬ 
self proceeded with only a few attendants, to join Morgan. It was at 
tliis juncture, that he' arrived at the camp of Morgan, and took upon 
himself the command. Another race now commenced, ^ ^ 

and again the Americans foiled the British. The army the American 

had just crossed the Yadkin; and a quantity of baggage - 

was yet remaining on the other side, when the British arrived. Again 
the waters suddenly rose, and Cornwallis was once more obliged to stop, 
and look inactively on, while the expected fruit of his plans and toil¬ 
some marches was in a moment snatchhd from him. And it was done 
by no human hand. At this signal deliverance every pious feeling of 
the American bosom rose in gratitude to Him, who had made to them, 
as to his people of old, a way through the waters, while he had closed 
it to their enemies. 

Gen. Greene now directed his course towards Guilford court-house, 
where he was to be joined by Gen. Huger. On the 9th of February, 
the two detachments of the American army reached Guilford, and ef¬ 
fected their junction in safety.' The two plans of Cornwallis were thus 
defeated. He resolved, now, to proceed to the Dan ; intending, by 
reaching these fords before the xVinericans, to prevent their communi¬ 
cation with Virginia. In this also, he was disappointed : the Ameri¬ 
cans, on the 14th, crossed the Dan, with all their artillery, baggage, 
and stores, leaving the British yet in their rear. 

Cornwallis, tlius disappointed in all his schemes, was compelled to 
relinquish them. He now determined to remain in North Carolina, 
and to collect the loyalists under his standard. With this view he re¬ 
paired to Hillsborough; and endeavoured to prevail upon the inhabi¬ 
tants to espouse the royal cause. His efibrts were not, however, 
crowned with the success he anticipated. The people generally con¬ 
sidered the cause of congress triumphant, and feared to manifest any 
attachment to the royal interest; but, in some instances, the British ge¬ 
neral prevailed upon the people to take up arms. 

Tarleton was sent with his legion, to the district between the Haw 
and Deep rivers, to encourage the rising of the loyalists in that quarter. 



254 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1781. 


Gen. Greene detached Col. Lee, with a body of cavalry, to scour the 
country, and attack his forces. Lee soon overtook a body of loyalists, 
marching to Cornwallis, under the command of Col. Pyle. The Ame¬ 
ricans charged them with vigour, and the tories, supposing them to be • 
Two parties of Tarleton’s legion, and themselves mistaken for republi- 
royalists de- cans, declared their attachment to the royal cause, and 

-^- vociferated the cry, “ long live the king.” Between two 

and three hundred were killed by their enraged assailants, and the sur¬ 
vivors compelled to surrender. Tarleton, by a singular coincidence, 
soon after met another small body of royalists, and slaughtered them, 
believing them to be republicans. While advancing to encounter Lee, 
Tarleton was called back, by Cornwallis, to Hillsborough. 

Greene had now received a reinforcement of continental troops, and 
several bodies of militia. These troops augmented his army to 4,400 ; 
and he no longer wished to avoid an engagement with the British. 

Making every possible preparation for so important an 
event, he now inarched towards Cornwallis, and took 
post at Guilford court-house, about eight miles from the 
grounds occupied by the British general. The armies 
met on the 15th of March. Early in the battle, some 
companies of the militia fled, and the American regulars were soon 
left to maintain the conflict alone. They fought for an hour and a half, 
with great bravery, and in some instances forced the British to give 
way. They were, however, at length compelled to retreat, but it was 
only step by step, and without breaking their ranks. The loss of the 
Americans in this engagement, was estimated at 1,300 men; that 
of the British, in proportion to their number, was more considerable. 
Greene now retreated to Speedwell’s iron works, ten miles from the field 
of battle. Cornwallis, although he had the reputation of a victor, found 
himself, in consequence of his losses, obliged to retreat, while Greene 
was in a condition to pursue ; thus affording the singular spectacle of 
a vanquished army pursuing a victorious one. Cornwallis retired to 
Bell’s mills, and, after a few days’ repose, marched towards Wilming¬ 
ton. Greene, having collected the fugitives of his army, followed the 
British, and, with his light infantry, continually infested their rear. 
He, however, soon altered his course, and proceeded, by forced marches 
towards Camden in South Carolina. On Cornwallis’ arrival at Wil¬ 
mington, he was undetermined whether to return to the relief of South 
Carolina, or to march into Virginia, and join the forces 
c^dstov\*4inia! under Arnold. A council of war was called, which de- 

- cided upon the last measure, and the British general, 

after having remained in Wilmington a few days, to refresh his troops, 
proceeded towards Petersburg; leaving the command of the forces in 


March 15. 
Battle of Guil- 
Ibrd court¬ 
house. TheAme- 
ricans retreat. 





1781.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


255 


the Carolinas, to Lord Rawdon, a young man of much talent and mili¬ 
tary ardour, who, he hoped, would be able to hold the army of Greene 
in check, keep possession of the province, and establish the British 
authority. 


SECTION XVI. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1781. 


[Continued.] 

Loki) Rawdon established his head quarters at Camden, a place 
fortified with great care. The other principal posts of the British in 
Carolina, were Charleston, Ninety-six, and Augusta. They had, how¬ 
ever, garrisoned several others of minor importance, so that their forces 
were much divided. The disafiection of the inhabitants to the British 
cause compelled them thus to divide their troops, in order to maintain 
such points as were necessary to their subsistence, and their commu¬ 
nication with each other. The intelligence of the retreat of Cornwal¬ 
lis gave the republicans new hopes, and new vigour. 

Sumpter and Marion, by their bold but prudent move- Marion annoy 

ments, were continually gaining advantages over the - 

royalists. They thus made themselves regarded as leaders who would 
conduct their followers to glory and success, and not lead them into dis¬ 
grace or danger; and hundreds flocked to their standard, who were orga¬ 
nized into regular companies. Thus they became so powerful, that they 
were able to hold in check the whole of Lower Carolina, while Greene, 
with his army, faced Lord Rawdon in the Highlands. This oflicer, find¬ 
ing that his position was becoming dangerous, strengthened his army 
by calling in his troops from places not susceptible of defence. 

Gen. Greene, at this time, appeared in view of Camden, at the head 
of his army, and proceeded to intrench himself within a mile’s distance, 
at Hobkirk’s Hill. Rawdon would have retreated towards Charleston ; 
but the way was infested by the light troops of Sumpter and Marion. 
He perceived that the Americans trusted to the strength of their post, 
and guarded it with negligence. Leaving Camden in the care of the 
convalescents, he marched, with every being in his army capable of 
carrying a firelock, on the night of the 25th of April; and taking a 
circuitous route, he fell, by surprise, on the left flank of the Americans. 



256 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1781. 


April 25. 

Americans sur¬ 
prised and . de¬ 
feated at Hob- 
kirk’s Hill. 


Greene, perceiving that the British moved in a solid, but 
not extended column, immediately caused tlr&m to be at¬ 
tacked, at the same time, on both flanks, and in front. 
The battle became general and fierce. The royalists 

- gave way. Rawdon pushed forward his reserve. The 

Americans, in their turn, retreated, and the efforts of Greene and his 
officers, to rally them, were ineffectual. The loss of the Americans, 
in killed, wounded, and missing, was 268; that of the British, nearly 
equal. 

The American general, after this affair, retired from Hobkirk’s Hill, 
and encamped, about five miles from his former position, to re-organize 
his army. Rawdon, like Cornwallis at Guilford, found the eflTects of 
the battle to be rather those of a defeat than a victory. He was infe¬ 
rior to his enemy in cavalry, and could not pursue him. His army was 
weakened. The inhabitants, in every direction, were rising against 
him ; and he had reason to tremble for several of his posts, which, as 
he was informed, were invested by the Americans Thus situated, he 
evacuated Camden, razed its fortifications, and retreat¬ 
ing before the foe, which he boasted of having conquered, 
made his way towards Charleston. On the 13th of May, 
he arrived at Nelson’s ferry ; where he learned, that the 
forts, which the Americans had invested, had fallen into 
their power. Fort Watson capitulated to Marion and 
Lee ; fort Motte, to Sumpter; and Georgetown, to Marion. The pri¬ 
soners, taken in these forts, amounted to nearly 800 ; and in fort Motte, 
was a considerable quantity of military stores. From Nelson’s ferry, 
Rawdon moved to Eutaw Springs. 

Greene now formed* the design of reducing Ninety- 

May 22. Augusta; the only two posts which remained to 

Greene invests -r. • • i • i 

Ninety-Six. the British in the upper country, and which were already 
invested by militia, under colonels Clarke and Pickens. 
He first marched his army against Ninety-Six, which was the strong 
hold of the royalists; and, on the 22d of May, commenced a regular 
siege. 

Meantime, Rawdon, whose army had been reinforced 
by three regiments from Ireland, put himself in motion 
to oppose the American commander, and preserve his 
fortresses, particularly that of Ninety-Six. On his march, 
he learned that Augusta had capitulated to the American militia, com- 
manded by the gallant Col. Pickens. 

Greene now learned that the enemy approached with fresh forces ; 
and he knew that his troops were in no condition to contend against 
the army of Rawdon, combined with the garrison of Ninety-Six. Un- 
wdlling, however, to leave the place without an effort, which should, at 


May 10. 

Rawdon evacu¬ 
ates Camden. 

British forts ta¬ 
ken by the Ame¬ 
ricans. 


June 5. 

Augusta capitu 
lates to the Ame 
ricans. 







1781.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


%7 

least, vindicate the honour of tlie American armS, he made a vigorous 
assault upon the fort, and gained a considerable advantage, though he 
did not succeed in capturing it. He then removed his 
army beyond the Tiger <ind Broad rivers. Rawdon ap- June 18. 
preached, and made some unavailing attempts to draw an^unsucLSul 
Greene into an engagement. After this, he entered and ^fnety-Six^and 
examined Ninety-Six ; and finding the place not capable retires, 
of withstanding a regular attack, he abandoned it, and 
directed his march towards Orangeburg ; where, on the 12th of July, 
he established his head-quarters. Greene followed him; but, finding 
his position covered by the windings of the Edisto, he bent his march, 
on the 16th, to the heights which border the Santee. The season 
proving uncommonly hot and*sickly, the contending armies, by tacit 
consent, suspended their operations. 

During this period, occurred the last scene of the tragedy of Colonel 
Hayne. At the commencement of the war, few men could have been 
found more to be envied than Isaac Hayne. Blessed with the goods 
of fortune, eminently endowed with those qualiVies which gain the love 
of men, possessing all the finer sensibilities which ennoble our nature, 
he was all the husband, the father, the friend, the patriot. At the 
commencement of the war, he entered with ardour into the views ol 
the republicans, and assisted in person at the defence of Charleston 
On the surrender of that city, Hayne, whose consequence, as a leader, 
was appreciated by the British, was offered the alternative of becoming 
a British subject, or gt^ing into rigorous confinement. For himself, he 
would not have hesitated a moment to choose captivity. But his wife 
and children were at his plantation, languishing with the small pox. 
And not only did he feel it agony, at such a time, to be separated 
from them, but he knew, that should he refuse the offer of the British, 
a lawless soldiery would violate and lay Avaste the retreat of his suf¬ 
fering family. Torn by conflicting duties, who could blame him, if, in 
such a situation, the husband and the father triumphed over the patriot. 
He consented to invest himself with the condition of a British subject, 
on the solemn assurances of the British general, Patterson, that 
he should not be called on to bear arms against his countrymen. 
Meanwhile, the republicans had found means to change the fortune 
of the war. The British, obliged to act on the defensive, no longer re- 
garded their sacred engagements, but called on those enrolled as their 
subjects, to take up arms in their defence. Hayne, among others, 
found that he could not remain peaceably at home. His home, too, 
was desolated by the loss of his wife and two children, who had died 
with the small-pox. Feeling released from an obligation which the Bri- 
tish themselves had violated, he once more took arms in the cause which 
he had ever held dear. Engaged as a colonel, commanding a corps in 

33 



268 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1781. 


the partisan warfare, he was taken prisoner, and confined in a deep 
dungeon in Charleston. Without even the form of trial, Lord Rawdon, 
with Col. Balfour, the commandant of Charleston, contrary to the usages 
of war, sentenced him to death. The 1'oyalists, with the governor at 
their head, petitioned foi’ the prisoner, and pleaded the impolicy of the 
act. The most distinguished women of Charleston, touched with his 
virtues, pleaded his cause, with all the feeling and eloquence of their 
sex. But more than all, his children, clad in mourning for their mother 
appeared before the judges, and stretching out their little 
4* hands, pleaded and entreated with tears, for the life of 

S^Hayne.^ their surviving parent. But they pleaded in vain ; and 

- Hayne was led to execution. 

Amidst the execrations, which Rawdon’s unrelenting cruelty had, in 
this instance, drawn, not only upon himself, but upon the cause which 
he had thought proper to use such means in vindicating, that general 
left the capital of Carolina, and returned to England, the command of 
the army devolving on Col. Stuart. 


SECTION XVII. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1781. 

[Continued.] 


General Greene, still in his camp, at the High Hills of the Santee, 
had made the best use of the time allowed him by the suspension of 
arms. It was now the beginning of September, the sultriness of the 
season had abated, and Greene determined, if possible, to dispossess 
the British of the remaining posts in the upper country. He crossed 
the Wateree, and marched, circuitously, to the Congaree ; passed it 
with all his army, and descended along its right bank, intending to at¬ 
tack Col. Stuart, who, at this time, occupied the post of Macord’s Ferry. 

The royalists fell back upon Eutaw Springs; thither 
Bauleof’^taw pursued them ; and, on the 8th of Septem. 

Springs. ber, the armies engaged. The battle of Eutaw Springs, 

is memorable as being one of the most bloody, and va¬ 
liantly contested fields of the war; and also for being the last of any 
note that occurred at the south. Gen. Greene drew up his forces with 
great skill, and made the attack. The troops, on both sides, fought 
with great bravery. The American officers remarked, that,,:i^hen ne- 




1781.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


259 


cessary, their soldiers resorted promptly to the use of the bayonet, 
which they had formerly appeared to dread. After a severe contest, 
victory seemed to declare for the republicans. The British were routed, 
and fled ; but finding, in their flight, a large house and some other ob¬ 
jects, affording shelter, they rallied, and repulsed their assailants with 
heavy loss. Greene, finding it impossible to dislodge them, retreated 
to his camp, bearing 500 prisoners. The whole loss of the British, in 
killed, wounded, and prisoners, was about 1,000, that of the Americans, 
six hundred. Congress voted their thanks to Gen. Greene, and pre¬ 
sented him with a conquered standard and a golden medal. Greene 
was ably seconded by his officers, among whom the gallant colonels 
Lee and Washington are mentioned as particularly deserving. The 
latter was wounded, and taken prisoner. Greene’s army having been 
reinforced, the British no longer dared to keep the open country, but 
retired to Charleston. Thus had the Americans, in a few months, re- 
covered the whole of the states of South Carolina and Georgia, except 
their capitals. The skill and valour, manifested by Greene, in their 
defence, have given him a rank among the heroes of the revolution, 
second to none but to Washington. 

While the war at the south was progressing, other important opera¬ 
tions were going on in other parts of the union; and we now go back 
several months, in the order of time, to give an account of their pro- 
gress. It will be recollected, that we left both Cornwallis and the 
traitor Arnold in the state of Virginia. The latter had landed on the 
4th of January, with a force of 1,600 men, in the vicinity 
of Richmond. He destroyed the public stores in Rich¬ 
mond ; and sent Col. Sincoe, who laid waste those in 
Westham. In their course, Arnold and his officers com- 
mitted the most wanton depredations on private property. 

Washington, although perplexed with the recent mutiny of the troops, 
and the deranged state .of the finances, concerted measures with the 
French, by means of wliich, he hoped to relieve Virginia, and obtain 
possession of the traitor and his force. Lv- Fayette, at 
the head of 1,200 light infantry, was detached towards 
Virginia, while the commander of the French fleet, at 
Rhode Island, despatched a squadron of eight sail of the line, under the 
Chevalier Destouches, to cut off the retreat of Arnold from the Chesa- 
peake. But Clinton, gaining intelligence of the plan, 
sent Admiral Arbuthnot to the relief of Arnold, with a 
squadron of equal force. ~ These two fleets met, and 
fought off Cape Henry, on the 16th of March, and suf¬ 
fered equal, though not very considerable loss. But the 
French were constrained to relinquish their design, and return to Rhode 


.Tan. 4^ 

Arnold ravages 
Virginia. 


La Fayette sent 
to Virginia. 


March 16. 

Battle between 
the French and 
English fleets, off 
Cape Henry. 





HISTORY OF THE 


260 


[1781, 


Island. Upon hearing this, La Fayette, who had arrived at Annapolis, 
marched to the head of the Elk. 

Clinton, finding how narrowly Arnold had escaped, sent to his assis- 
tance Gen. Philips, with 2,000 men. Thus reinforced, Arnold re¬ 
sumed the work of pillage and destruction. La Fayette arrived in time 
to save Richmond ; but he witnessed from that place, the conflagration 
of Manchester, on the opposite bank of the James. About this time, 
both parties learned the approach of Cornwallis; and it became the 
Junction of the Philips and Arnold, to form a junction with 

British ax-miesat him, at Petersburg. They arrived before Cornwallis. 

While awaiting his arrival, Gen. Philips sickened, and 


Petersburg. 


died on the 13th of May, and, on the 20th, Cornwallis reached Pe¬ 
tersburg. 

After remaining a few days at Petersburg, Cornwallis, now in com¬ 
mand of the combined forces, directed their march into the interior of 
Virginia, supposing, as was the fact, that the xVmericans were too weak, 
and too much dispersed, to offer any effectual opposition. There were, 
however, three separate corps of republican troops in Virginia ; one, 
under Gen. La Fayette ; another, and a smaller one, under the Baron 
Steuben; and the Pennsylvania troops, under Gen. Wayne. Had they 
been united, they were by no means a match for the army of Corn¬ 
wallis. But La Fayette, who had the chief command, showed how 
La Fayette ha- profited by the lessons of Washington. Pru- 

rasses Cornwal- dent and brave; understanding, far better than the British, 

- the ground over which the armies moved, he harassed 

his foe, and restrained his motions; without once suffering himself 
to be led into a snare, or his army to be endangered. When Corn¬ 
wallis pursued, he retreated ; when, intent upon some other object, his 
foe held another direction, immediately La Fayette pursued in his turn, 
hanging upon his rear, and preventing him from sending out straggling 
parties. This conduct kept up the spirits of the republicans, and pre¬ 
vented the British from realising their sanguine expectation, that many 
would flock to their standard. 

_ , ^ . While at Westover, Cornwallis detached Col. Tarle- 

ses Charlotte- ton to Charlotteville, where the legislature of Virginia 

-^- were in session, and, at the same time, sent Col. Sincoe 

to the Point of Fork, at the junction of the two rivers, which form the 
James, to seize some stores at that place. Both these expeditions were, 
in a measure, successful; but Tarleton was disappointed of the prize 
on which he most calculated. This was the capture of Gov. Jefferson, 
who, after having provided for the safety of a considerable quantity of 
arms and ammunition, found means to elude the vigilance of his 
pursuers. 

Cornwallis, while thus ranging the interior of Virginia, constantly 





1781.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


261 


checked, however, by La Fayette, was suddenly recalled to the sea 
coast, by an order from Sir Henry Clinton. That general, apprehen 
sive that the Americans and French meditated an attack on New-York, 
and fearing that he was not in sufficient force to resist them, had di¬ 
rected Cornwallis to embark 3,000 of his troops, to join his garrison 
Intent on obeying the mandate, Cornwallis marched with his army to 
Portsmouth, where he received orders to retain the troops. Clinton, 
having received a reinforcement of 3,000 Germans, now believed he 
could dispense with further aid; and ordered Cornwallis to proceed to 
Point Comfort, and there fortify, in order that the British might have, 
in any event, a secure retreat. Cornwallis found reasons for disliking 
this post, and obtained, of Clinton, permission to select another. He 
fixed on Yorktown, a village which is situated on the right bank of York 
river. Upon the opposite side of the stream, on a project¬ 
ing point, which narrows and deepens its channel, is the 
smaller village of Gloucester. Cornwallis entered York- ters Yorktown. 
town, August 23d, and proceeded to erect fortifications. 

We have already seen the difficulties, which, from an exhausted army 
and treasury, environed, at the commencement of this campaign, the 
Commander-in-chief. Washington was, in fact, a main spring in the 
deliberations and decisions of congress, as well as the director of field 
operations. He had learned that a considerable French fleet, and a 
body of land troops, were soon to arrive upon the coast. Anxious to 
avail himself of the naval superiority, which this force 
would give him, and to strike some important blow, the 
comraander-in-chief, with the advice of Rochambeau, 
whom he met at Wethersfield, in Connecticut, deter¬ 
mined to attack New-York. Clinton, apprised of the plan, determined, 
as we have seen, to recall a part of the forces of Cornwallis, but was 
prevented by the arrival of 3,000 German troops, which increased his 
garrison to upwards of 10,000. 

In the meantime, Washington was disappointed in his expected re¬ 
cruits. Instead of 12,000 regular troops, which he was to have had, 
he could hardly muster 5,000, a number, by no means adequate to the 
projected siege. He learned that De Grasse, the expected French ad¬ 
miral, could not remain on**the American coast longer than October 
and finally, that his destination was the Chesapeake. . 

From these considerations, Washington suddenly changed changes^his 

his nlan of operations, and bent all his calculations to take plans, in order 
^ totakeCornwal- 

Cornwallis in the snare which he seemed laying for him- lis. 

self. 

Success depended upon secrecy; for had Sir Henry Clinton been 
apprised of his plan, he might, at first, have defeated it. But it may 
reasonably be supposed, that few, at this time, were in the counsels of 


May. 

Washington de¬ 
termines to at¬ 
tack New-York. 





262 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1781. 


the commander-in-chief; for never was a secret better kept, or an enemy 
more completely deceived. Washington made every show of prepara¬ 
tion to attack New-York. He broke up his camp at New Windsor, and 
advanced down the river to Kingsbridge. The French army, consist¬ 
ing of 5,000 men, under Rochambeau, had marched from Rhode Island, 
and joined him early in July. They appeared daily to expect the arri- 
vul of De Grasse at New-York. Suddenly Washington crossed the 
Hudson, and directed the rapid march of the allied armies across New 
Jersey. But he had caused a report to be spread, that this was merely 
a feint, to draw Clinton from his fortifications, that he might fight him 
in the open field. Clinton deceived, remained within his fortress. 
Washington, now learning that De Grasse was near the Chesapeake, 
no longer delayed crossing the Delaware ; and steering direct for his 
Au 25 object, well satisfied, that the time for his foe to prevent 
Washington ar- its accomplishment, was past. He arrived, after a rapid 
nv^ at the head j^^rch, at the head of Elk, the northern extremity of 

- the Chesapeake, on the 25th of August; and having 

made the necessary arrangements for the transportation of his army, 
he proceeded in person to Virginia, attended by the Count de Rocham¬ 
beau ; and, on the 14th of September, he joined La Fayette at Wil¬ 
liamsburg. 

Z)e Grasse enters Count De Grasse, with twenty-five sail of the 

the Chesapeake, fine, entered the mouth of the Chesapeake, only one 
hour before Washington arrived at the head of Elk, and 
immediately performed the part assigned to him, by blocking up the 
mouths of the York and James rivers ; thus cutting off all communica¬ 
tion between the British at Yorktown and New-York. He also opened 
a communication with La Fayette. When Cornwallis first took post 
at Yorktown, this general had occupied a position high up the river, 
but had now descended as far as Williamsburg. The allies had a fear 
that Cornwallis, seeing the toils into which he was falling, would turn 
upon La Fayette, who was his inferior in force. To prevent this, 3,000 
light troops, under the Marquis de St. Simon, were sent up the river in 
boats to join him at Williamsburg. 

Cornwallis had strengthened his works, and could only be overcome 
by d regular siege. The allies needed artillery, and other prepara¬ 
tions for besieging Yorktown. These they expected from Rhode 
Island, to be brought by a French squadron, commanded by the Count 
de Barras, who had made sail three days before the arrival of De 
Grasse in the Chesapeake. To prevent falling in with the British 
fleet, Barras had stood far out to sea. While expecting him, De 
Grasse, on the 5th of September, saw, off the capes, a British fleet of 
nineteen sail, under Admiral Greaves. The French commander, ad¬ 
vised by Washington, behaved with admirable skill and prudence. He 




1781.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA 


363 


engaged the British partially, to draw them from their 
anchorage ground ; by which means, the Count de Bar- partitr*acUon 
ras, as he expected, was enabled to pass by them into oetween the 
the bay, but refused a general engagement, which would French fleetl 
have been putting at hazard a game, which, with pru- 
dence, was already in the hands of the allies. 


SECTION XVIII. 

CA3IPAIGN OF 1781. 

[Continued.] 


Cornwallis had now no hope of escape, but from Clinton. To him 
he had found means to represent his situation; and, closely invested 
as he was, he received an answer to his communication. By this he 
was informed, that troops would, if possible, embark from New-York 
for his relief, by the 5th of October. 

Clinton, hoping to draw off some part of the forces which menaced 
Cornwallis, projected an expedition against New London, in Connec- 
ticut, the command of which he gave to the traitor, Arnold, lately re¬ 
turned from Virginia. The access to the port of New London, was 
guarded by forts Trumbull and Griswold, erected on the opposite banks 
of the Thames. Fort Trumbull was taken without much 
effort. The garrison of fort Griswold was composed of 
militia, many of whom were the fathers of the families 
in the vicinity, hastily collected; and, under the com¬ 
mand of the estimable Col. Ledyard. They made a 
resolute defence, and killed numbers of the assailants. 

At length, however, they were overpowered, and ceased 
to resist. As the British entered, an officer inquired, 

“ who commands this fort ?” “ I did,” said Col. Ledyard, “ but you 

do now and presented his sword. The monster took it, and plunged 
it in his bosom. This was the signal for slaughter. - Forty, out of one 
hundred and sixty, were all that escaped. Scarcely was there a father 
of a family, in this little town of Groton, but was that night butchered, 
and almost its entire population were made widows and orphans. 

New London was next laid in ashes, and a great num¬ 
ber of vessels richly laden, fell into the hands of Arnold. New°S>ndon^ 
Washington was not, however, moved to quit his post at- 


Sept. G. 

Fort Trumbull 
taken. 


Fort Griswold 
taken, and the 
garrison butch¬ 
ered. 






264 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1781. 


Oct. 6. 

Yorktovvn 

besieged. 


the south. The people of Connecticut showed ominous signs of resist 
ance, o.nd Arnold judged it prudent to return to New-York. 

Cornwallis, in the belief that he should receive succour from Clin¬ 
ton, abandoned his outposts and defences, and withdrew entirely within 
the fortifications of Yorktown. Many of his own officers considered 
this as a great error. They had urged him to attempt crossing the 
river, and regaining the open country, through which they might, as 
they believed, proceed by rapid marches, to New-York. While he de¬ 
layed and deliberated, the small chance that was left him of escaping 
in this way, was destroyed. 

The combined armies moved from Williamsburg, on the 25th of Sep¬ 
tember, and in five days were collected in the vicinity of Yorktown. 
Their whole force amounted to 16,000; 7,000 of whom were French. 
They commenced their works on the night of the 6th of October, in 
which they made rapid advances, notwithstanding a heavy fire from 
the fort. On the 9th, several batteries were completed, and a heavy 
destructive cannonade commenced. On the 11th, they 
began their second parallel, which was only three hun¬ 
dred yards from the fort. In order to complete their 
trenches, it was necessary to dislodge the English from 
two redoubts which were in advance of their main works. Washing¬ 
ton determined on carrying them by assault, and, taking advantage of 

^ the emulation between the two armies, to make success 
Oct. 14. 

Two redoubts certain, he assigned to the French, under Baron 

canied^ Vioniesnil, the taking of one ; while, to the Americans, 

- under the Marquis La Fayette and Col. Hamilton, he as¬ 
signed the capture of the other. The ardour and’ eloquence of the offi¬ 
cers stirred up their troops to the highest pitch of valour; and their onset 
was so furious, that the British, though they bravely resisted, could not 
long withstand them. Both the redoubts were taken, not, however, without 
loss to the allies, of which the French party suffered the greatest share. 

Nothing now remained to prevent the completion of the second pa¬ 
rallel ; which being finished, Cornwallis had no alternative before him 
but death or submission. In fact, his walls were already broken, and" 
his ditches filled up by their falling parts. On the night of the 16th, 
Oct 16 British, under Gen. Abercrombie, made a vigorous 

The British un- sortie, took two batteries, and spiked eleven cannon. 

They were charged furiously by the French, under De 


der Abercrombie 
make a sortie. 


^- Noailles, and driven back to their encampments. 

Thus situated, Cornwallis made one more effort, which had he, as 
advised, sooner attempted, might perhaps have saved his army. This 
was to cross the river in the night, to Gloucester Point, where a small 
garrison of the British, commanded by Tarleton, were watched by the 
French, under De Choise. He left his baggage, and the sick and 





178L] 


REPTJRTJC OF AMERICA. 


265 


wounded; whom, in a letter to Washington, he recommended to his 
generosity. His army were to embark in three divisions. A part had 
already crossed, and landed at Gloucester Point; a part were upon the 
river; the third division alone had hot embarked. The air and the 
water were calm, and Cornwallis’s hopes of escape were high. In a 
moment, the sky was overcast, and a tempest arose. The elements 
were armed against him, as if again he was checked by that invisible 
power which seemed to watch over the destiny of the American peo¬ 
ple, and which before, by the swelling of the waters, had 
saved their army from his grasp. The wind and rain tempts toeLape. 

were violent, and his boats were driven down the river. - 

The day appeared, and the besiegers discovering their situation, opened 
a destructive fire upon his scattered and weakened army; and they 
were glad, when the abating tempest allowed it, to return to their al¬ 
most dismantled fortifications. 

Seeing now no hope of cscaiie, his army wasting by q j j-y 
the irresistible fire of the American works, Cornwallis no Comwallis ca- 
longer delayed to treat for a surrender. Before noon, pitulates. 
on the 17th, he sent a flag to Washington, requesting a 
cessation of arms for twenty-four hours, and the appointment of com¬ 
missioners to settle the terms of surrender. Washington, fearing the 
arrival of British troops, refused to grant a truce longer than two hours; 
and signified, that within that time he should expect the propositions of 
the British commander. Cornwallis wished to obtain liberty for the 
European troops to return to their homes, upon their parole of not 
again serving in the American war: and he also wished to make terms 
for the Americans who had followed his fortunes. Both these condi¬ 
tions Washington refused, as the European soldiers would be at liberty 
to serve in garrisons at home; and the case of the Americans be¬ 
longed to the civil authority. All that the most earnest persuasion 
could obtain from Washington on this point, was permission for a sloop, 
laden with such persons as Cornwallis selected, to be allowed to pass, 
without search or visit, to New-York; he being accountable for the 
number of persons it carried, as prisoners of war. The whole remain¬ 
ing British force was to be surrendered to the allies ; the land army, 
with its munitions, to the Americans ; the marine, to the French. 

Agreeably to the articles of capitulation, the posts of Qet. 19. 
Yorktown and Gloucester were surrendered, on the 19th British land-for- 

, , CCS surrender to 

of October. The prisoners, exclusive of seamen, the Americans, 
amounted to more than 7,000, of whom 2,000, were sick n”eVr^iich!^^ 

or wounded. Five hundred and fifty-two of the British - 

had fallen during the siege. Sixty pieces of cannon, also, principally 
of brass, fell into the hands of the Americans. Two frigates and twenty 
transports, with their crews, fell into the hands of the French. Gen. 

31 





2G6 


IIISTOIIY OF 'I'Hl? 


[1781 


Lincoln, who had suHered the mortification of surrendering an Ameri¬ 
can army, at Charleston, was, with peculiar delicacy, selected by the 
commander-iri-chief, to receive the submission of the British. 

The French and Americans added, on this occasion, the praise of 
generosity and humanity, to that of wisdom and valour. Their leaders 
vied with each other, in acts of kindness to the conquered officers, and 
every possible attention was paid to the accommodation of the soldiers. 

On the day in which the capitulation was signed, Clinton passed 
Sandy Hook, with a powerful force, to go to the succour of Cornwallis ; 
he appeared off the capes of Virginia on the 24th ; where, hearing of 
the surrender of the army, he immediately returned to New-York. 

This event caused a burst of joy and exultation throughout America. 
Nor did the people, or the civil rulers, amidst the honours which were 
showered upon the American and French commanders, forget to ac¬ 
knowledge their supreme obligations to the Great Commander and 
Ruler of armies and of nations. 

Washington would gladly have detained the French fleet to co-ope¬ 
rate in a descent upon Charleston; but De Grasse being under orders 
from the French court, to be in the West Indies on a certain day, 
dared not hazard the detention of his fleet: and made sail for those 
islands without delay. 

Gen. La Fayette, who had sought America in her ad- 
La Fayette re- • i i ^ i 

turns to France, versity, left her as soon as prosperity dawned upon her 

■ fortunes. He embarked about this time for France, 

leaving deep, in the hearts of a grateful people, the remembrance of 

his virtues and his services. 


—♦— 

SECTION XIX. 

1781. Vermont was, at this period, an independent nation. 

Situation of That its territory was first settled by grants from New 

Vermont. i , . . ® 

-— Hampshire, and atterwards decided, by the English go¬ 
vernment, to belong to New-York, are facts which have already been 
stated. Had New-York, at the time of this decision, given quiet pos¬ 
session to those individuals who had purchased, and cultivated farms 
under New-Hampshire, Vermont would now have been a portion of 
that state. But it being attempted to eject these settlers by force, they 
forcibly resisted. 

In this situation, the inhabitants applied to congress for its interfe¬ 
rence, and were, by this body, recommended to submit, for a time, to 
the authority of New-York; but, being resolutely opposed to this step, 





1781.] 


267 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 

they met in convention, in 1777, and declared the New 
Hampshire grants to be an independent state, under the Declares itself 
title of “ New Connecticut, alias Vermontthe first ap- 
pellation, and the ungraceful “ alias,” being afterwards dropped. 

Iheir affairs were, at first, managed by several of the leading men, 
called “ a Council of Safety.” Their first legislature met at Windsor, 
m March, 1778. In the same month, a portion of the towns east of Con¬ 
necticut river, petitioned to unite with Vermont. To this request the 
Vermontese acceded ; but, in consequence of the complaints of New 
Hampshire, the following year, the union was dissolved. 

Application was next made to congress for admission into the confe¬ 
deracy, but New-York presented a counter-memorial; and, in conse¬ 
quence, the separate existence of Vermont, as a state, was not ac¬ 
knowledged. 

In the summer of 1781, the situation of Vermont was singular in the 
extreme. The politicians of that settlement, at the head of whom were 
Gov. Chittenden, and the brothers, Ethan and Ira Allen, while they had 
boldly, but warily, maintained its rights against the claims of New- 
York, New Hampshire, and the decisions of congress, had, at the same 
time, defended the territory, frontier as it was, against the British, by 
secret negotiations ;* which had, for their apparent object, Vermont 
that Vermont should place itself under British protection, tiates with the 

But the people of Vermont, warm with the enthusiasm -^- 

which animated the Americans against the British, would have risen 
in vengeance against the rulers who thus preserved them, had they 
known the means by which their protection was effected. Affairs were, 
however, coming to a crisis, and but for the fortunate capture of Corn¬ 
wallis, it is impossible to foresee what would have been the situation of 
those patriotic men,j* who, in this singular manner, ran such personal 
hazard, to save the people, against their own will, and play their politi¬ 
cal game for their advantage. 

On one occasion, the whole plot was near disclosure. Gen. St. 
Leger, with a British force, had taken post at Ticonderoga, while Gen. 

* The only persons in the secret were Thomas Chittenden, Moses Robinson, Samuel 
Safford, Ethan Allen, Ira Allen, Timothy Rrownson, John Fassett, Joseph Fay. 

f It is not to be supposed, that these persons, in negotiating with the British, acted a part 
of which they were ashamed, because they found it politic to conceal it from the people. 
On this subject, read a portion of Ethan Allen’s letter to congress, in 1781. “ I do not 

hesitate to say, that I am fully grounded in opinion, that Vermont has an indubitable right 
to agree on terms of a cessation of hostilities with Great Britain, provided they persist in 
rejecting her application for an union with them. Vermont, of all people, would be the 
•most miserable, were she obliged to defend the independence of the united claiming states, 
and they, attlie same time, at full liberty to overturn and ruin the independence of Vermont. 

I am as resolutely determined to maintain the independence of Vermont, as congress are 
that of the United States; and rather than fail, will retire with the hardy Green Mountain 
Boys, info the desolate caveritsofthe mountains, and wage war with human nature at large !” 




268 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1781. 


Enos, with a body of Vermont volunteers, was lying at Caslleton. 
Two scouting parties, from these armies, met; and, in a rencontre be¬ 
tween them, a serjeant, belonging to the corps of Gen. Enos, was 
killed. St. Leger, perhaps thinking that the negotiations, by which 
the British had reason to believe that Vermont would soon declare for 
them, were too long concealed from the people, caused particular atten¬ 
tion to be paid to the funeral obsequies of the serjeant; sent a messen¬ 
ger, bearing through the country, the clothes of the dead man, which 
were sent to his widow, and an open letter to Gen. Enos, apologizing 
for his death. Immediately there was a cry of treason throughout tlie 
country, and the camp of Enos. This general and other officers, who 
were now in the secret, immediately on this emergency, wrote letters 
to Gov. Chittenden, who was then in Charleston, where the legislature 
were in session. The messenger, who carried these letters, was not 
in the secret; and he, proclaiming through the streets of Charleston, 
the extraordinary message of St. Leger, was followed by a crowd to 
the lodgings of the governor. Great confusion ensued, and as the go 
vernor perceived that Enos, in his letters, had mingled affairs respect¬ 
ing the private negotiations, with other matters, proper to be made 
public, he found means, in the uproar, to delay showing these letters 
until morning; and such was the strait to which those in the secret 
were reduced, that, during the night, they made out new letters from 
Gen. Enos, to lay before the legislature ; in which the mention made 
of public affairs was retained, while that of the private negotiations was 
omitted ; and such representations were otherwise made, as were calcu¬ 
lated to allay the public ferment. In the meantime, a rumour arrived 
of the capture of Cornwallis. This was confidentially sent by the go¬ 
vernor to St. Leger, and urged as a reason why Vermont should not, 
at that time, declare for the British. One hour after St. Leger had 
received these despatches, he received another from the south, confirm¬ 
ing the intelligence of the surrender of Cornwallis. The British army 
immediately returned to Canada, thus relieving the actors in this singu¬ 
lar affair, from the danger they had drawn upon themselves, in thus 
deeply playing a double game. 

Poverty of the poverty of the United States, as a government, 

American go- was again almost incredible. The great efibrt made by 
- congress in the winter of 1780—81, enabled them to pro¬ 
vide for the campaign of the ensuing season, and it was most fortunate 
for America that the result was favourable; for it seems impossible 
that another active and expensive campaign, could have been sus¬ 
tained. There was no fault m the arrangements of congress; no re¬ 
mission of activity, prudence, and patriotism, on the part of the trea¬ 
surer. On the contrary, congress had made the most judicious 
arrangements early in the winter of 1781. They were aided in their 



1782.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


269 


deliberations by Washington, who, at their request, had stopped at Phi¬ 
ladelphia, on his way from Yorktown to his accustomed winter quar¬ 
ters. They laid taxes, and apportioned them among the several states ; 
and made such other regulations, that the commander-in-chief had san¬ 
guine hopes that every thing would be in readiness for an early cam¬ 
paign, as it was wisely considered, that the way to obtain an honoura¬ 
ble peace, was to be in readiness for war. But the several state 
governments wholly failed of paying their quotas, alleging the utter in- 
ability of their constituents to support further taxation. Although, by 
the judicious arrangements of Morris, the public expenses were much 
diminished, yet they were still necessarily great, and must so continue, 
although the means of meeting them thus unexpectedly failed. At 
the commencement of 1782 not a dollar remained in Trials and mag- 
the treasury. “ Yet to the financier,” says Marshall, of the 

“ every eye was turned ; to him was stretched forth the - 

empty hand of every public creditor, and against him, instead of the 
the state authorities, were the complaints and imprecations of every 
unsatisfied claimant directed.” The keen sense of the ingratitude 
of his country, experienced by this injured patriot, and at the same 
time his resolution not to abandon the cause of a people who were 
so unjust to him, were thus expressed in a letter to the commander- 
in-chief :—“ With such gloomy prospects as this letter affords, I am 
tied here to be baited by continual clamorous demands ; and for the for¬ 
feiture of all that is valuable in life, and which I hoped at this moment 
to enjoy, I am to be paid by invective. Scarce a day passes, in which 
I am not tempted to give back into the hands of congress, the power 
which they have delegated, and to lay down a burden, which presses 
me to the earth. Nothing prevents me but a knowledge of the diffi¬ 
culties which I am obliged to struggle under. What may be the suc¬ 
cess of my efibrts, God only knows ; but to leave my post at present, 
would, I know, be ruinous. This candid state of my situation and feel¬ 
ings, I give to your bosom, because you, who have already felt and 
suffered so much, will be able to sympathize with me.” 

The people of England, who felt severely the ex- 
penses of the war, on hearing the disasters which had England wish 

111- • -111 11- for peace with 

attended their armies, particularly that ot Cornwallis, no America, 
longer suppressed their discontent. They saw, that 
after the lives and property which had been expended, and after all the 
intrigues of their government, nothing remained to them on the Ame¬ 
rican shores but New-York, Charleston, and Savannah; and these 
posts could only be maintained by strong fleets and garrisons. All 
hope of reducing the Americans to subjection now vanished. Still the 
king, in his speech at the opening of parliament, showed his unwil¬ 
lingness to relinquish his sway over what he had, during his life, consi- 




270 


PIISTORY OF THE 


[1782. 


dered his patrimony. The people, however, persisted in their wishes 
for peace, and loudly demanded the removal of ministers, who advised 
the king to measures so much against the public interest. 

The house of commons, about the last of February, moved by this 
expression of feeling, as well as by the eloquent speeches of General 
Conway, and others, voted, “ that they should consider as enemies to 
his majesty and their country, all who should advise, or attempt, a fur¬ 
ther prosecution of offensive war on the continent of America.” This 
vote was followed by the resignation of the office of prime minister, 
by Lord North, and the appointment of an administration favourable 
to peace. 

Sir Guy Carle- Henry Clinton was now superseded in command 

Carleton; whose conciliating conduct as 

-- governor of Canada, had gained him the esteem of the 

Americans. The general sentiment of all parties was now favoura¬ 
ble to peace ; and after this, there were no hostile operations, except 
a few of inconsiderable importance in South Carolina. In one of these, 
fell the young and gallant Col. Laurens, lamented by Washington and 
the whole army. 

Admiral Higby, who the summer before had arrived in New-York, 
with reinforcements for Clinton, was appointed, with Carleton, by the 
British ministry, to treat with the Americans for peace, on the ground 
of acknowledging their independence ; but congress, finding that par¬ 
liament had not sanctioned this step of the ministry, refused to negotiate 
with their agents. Whether this was, or was not, as many supposed, a 
snare which was set for the Americans, congress, without doubt, en¬ 
countered a stratagem, of which the object was to destroy their alliance 
with France and Spain, by procuring the American government to 
treat separately from its allies; but this the congress steadily refused. 

That body, careful to be ready for the first honourable overtures 
which they should receive, had appointed John Adams, their minister 
at the Hague, for this purpose: with him they now associated Benja- 
"nin Franklin, John Jay, at this time the representatives of the United 
States at the court of Spain, and Henry Laurens. The latter, while 
crossing the ocean, in 1780, to negotiate a commercial treaty between 
the United States and Holland, was captured by a British frigate. His 
papers were thrown overboard; but being recovered, and found to 
contain a sketch of a treaty with the states of Holland, he was con- 
victed of high treason, and confined in the tower, at London. Mr. 
Adams was appointed to succeed him, and empowered to negotiate a 
Treaty with money in Holland, and also to conclude a treaty 

Holland. of amity and commerce. On the 19th of April, 1782, 

the United Provinces acknowledged the independence of 




271 


1783.] REPUJ5LIC OF AMKRICA. 

America, and on the 8th of October, the treaty of amity and commerce 
was concluded. 

To meet the American commissioners at Paris, the 1783. 
court of St. James sent Mr. Fitz Herbert and Mr. Oswald. Articles of peace 
On the 20th of January, 1783, preliminary articles of 
})eace were signed at Versailles. The delinitive treaty 
was deferred until the adjustment of aflairs between England and 
France, and was not signed until the 3d of September, 1783. The 
terms granted to America by this treaty, in respect to extent of terri¬ 
tory, and right to the fisheries of New England, were equal to the most 
sanguine expectations of her friends. The English ministers then in 
power, seemed to be aware of the policy of making America inde¬ 
pendent in fact, as well as in name : probably the more so, as a con¬ 
trary disposition was manifested by France. Both powers seemed 
aware, that if she remained in a state of dependence, it must, from the 
posture of affairs, be a dependence upon France, rather than upon 
England. The American negotiators were men of great ability and 
ardent patriotism, and well knew how to turn this state of things to the 
advantage of their country. 

But in the general pacification, and amidst the protracted negotia¬ 
tions of the several parties, nothing was stipulated on the subject of 
neutral rights, which had been the moving cause of the coalition against 
England; and thus a door was left open for future contention and 
bloodshed. 

The situation of the rising Republic of America was, during these 
long negotiations, extremely critical. Had congress possessed the 
means of paying their officers and soldiers, there would have been 
nothing to apprehend from the disbanding of so patriotic an army. 
But the officers, aware of the poverty of the treasury, doubted whether 
it would be in the power of congress to fulfil the stipulation made in 
October, 1780, granting to them half pay for life. While the inde¬ 
pendence of their country was uncertain, they had pressed forward to 
the attainment of that object; and regardless of themselves, had sa¬ 
crificed their fortunes, their possessions, and their health. Now that 
great object was attained, they began to brood over their own situation; 
and fears arose, that should they disband before their country had done 
them justice, and lose their consequence as a body, they, and their 
services might be forgotten. 

Designing persons increased their discontent, by insinuating that their 

cause was not advocated with sufficient zeal by their commander. On 

the 10th of March, while the army was laying at New- Disturbance a- 

burg, an anonymous paper was circulated, which em- mong the offi- 
1-1 ,1 r T cers of the army, 

bodied, in the most glowing language, the deep feelings-- 

of many hearts. The discontents of the army exploded, and murmurs 




272 


IIJS'PORY OF THE 


[1783. 


rose to threats and open invective. This paper proposed a meeting of 
the officers, on the ensuing day. Washington, aware of the feelings 
of the army, had not availed himself of the suspension of hostilities, to 
seek the pleasures of home, but had remained in the camp. He now 
saw that the dreaded crisis had arrived. Intent on guiding delibera¬ 
tions which he could not suppress, he called his officers to a meeting 
somewhat later than the one appointed in the anonymous appeal, to 
which, in his orders, he alluded with disapprobation. In the interim, 
lie prepared a written address. The officers met. The fattier of his 
country rose, to read the manuscript which he held in his hand. Not 
being able to distinguish its characters, he took off his spectacles to 
wipe them with his handkerchief. “ My eyes,” said he, “ have grown 
dim in the service of my country, but I never doubted her justice.” 
This was a preface, worthy of the paper which he read. He alluded^ 
in the. most touching manner, to the sufferings and services of the army, 
in which he too had borne his share. He treated with becoming se¬ 
verity, the proposition, made in the anonymous paper, to seek, by un¬ 
lawful means, the redress of their injuries. He assured them that con¬ 
gress, though slow in their deliberations, were favourable to the interests 
of the army ; and he conjured them not to tarnish the renown of their 
brilliant deeds, by an irreparable act of rashness and folly ; and finally, 
he pledged them his utmost exertions to assist in procuring from con¬ 
gress the just reward of their meritorious services. 

The officers listened to the voice which they had so long been accus¬ 
tomed to respect and obey; and the storm of passion was hushed. His 
pledge of using his influence with congress, in behalf of the army, was 
performed in a manner which showed how deeply he had their cause 
at heart. “ If,” said he, in a letter to that body, “ the whole army 
have not merited whatever a grateful people can bestow, then I have 
been beguiled by prejudice, and built opinion on the basis of error. 
If this country should not, in the event, perform every thing which has 
been requested in the late memorial to congress, then will my belief 
become vain, and the hope that has been excited, void of foundation. 
And if, (as has been suggested, for the purpose of inflaming their pas¬ 
sions,) the officers of the army are to be the only sufferers by this 
revolution ; if retiring from the field, they are to grow old in poverty, 
wretchedness, and contempt; if they are to wade through the vile mire 
of dependency, and owe the miserable remnant of that life to charity, 
which has hitherto been spent in honour; then shall I have learned 
what ingratitude is ; then shall I have realized a tale which will embit¬ 
ter every moment of my future life.”* 

• This letter, and the conduct of tlie commander-in-chief at this period, could not, 
wc think, have been present to the mind of Thomas Moore, when he advanced the senti¬ 
ment, that nature, in forming Washington, mingled the materials for a hero, but before she- 


1783.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. . 


' 27.^ 


Moved by the remonstrances of Washington, and alarmed lest the 
danger they had so narrowly escaped, should return, congress made 
every exertion in their power to do justice to the officers. They com¬ 
muted the half pay whicli had been pledged to them, for a sum equal to 
five years’ full pay. 

The army, now satisfied, was disbanded without tu¬ 
mult, in November, 1783. They mingled with their fel- . 

. . n ^ American army 

low citizens, ever through future years to be honoured disbanded. 

for belonging to that patriotic band. It is now nearly 
fifty years since its existence, and here and there a silver-headed vete¬ 
ran is seen among us, of whom it is said, “ they were revolutionary 
soldiers.” It is the pass-word to honour. At all patriotic meetings, 
the first place is assigned them ; and a grateful country has at length 
provided for tlieir wants, by liberal pensions. * 

America soon had the gratification of seeing her independence, which 
she had so bravely won, acknowledged by most of the European powers. 
Holland was the only nation, except France, which had acknowledged 
its independence, pr<. vious to its recognition by Great Britain, in 1782. 
Her example was followed by Sweden, on the 5th of February, 1783 ; 
by Denmark, on the 25th of February; by Spain, on the 24th of 
March; and by Russia, in July. Treaties of amity and commerce 
were also, about the same periods, concluded with each of these powers. 
Prussia did not come to this measure until 1785. 

On the 25th of November, the British troops evacu- Nov. 25. 
ated New-York, and a detachment from the American Evacuation of 
army entered it. - 

On the 4th of December, the separation of Washing- „ 

’ ^ *=» Parting of the 

ton from his officers took place at New-York. The long ofiigers. 

and eventful period which they had passed together; the 
dangers they had mutually shared; the*reflection that they parted to 
meet no more ; and, above all, the thought that they might never again 
behold the face of their beloved* commander, filled their hearts, and the 
hardy veterans wept. 

From New-York, Washington hastened to Annapolis, where con¬ 
gress was then in session. He immediately waited on them for the 
purpose of resigning his commission. A public audience „ . . ^ 

was appointed for that purpose, on the 23d of December, Washington, 
when, in the presence of a large and deeply affected ~ 

niouldetl them, unfortunately suffered the mixture to get cold. True, Washington was cold 
to the unhallowed fires which glowed in the bosom of that licentious poet; and through his 
|x;u, have laid waste the morals of society. He was cold, too, t(^ the wild ambition which 
has more resently led the “ hero” of Europe to shed the blood of millions; but in the cause 
of his array, his country, and of mankind, he was warm as benevolence itself. 

35 






274 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1783. 


audience, he resigned his offices, and commended his country to the 
protection of God. He retired to Mount Vernon, followed by the be¬ 
nedictions of America, and the admiration of the world. 


SECTION XX. 


1784. At the close of the war, the United States, although 
Am^riran burst the bonds of European thraldom, were in 

finances. a most deplorable condition. A heavy debt encumbered 

the government; and a similar burden rested upon 
almost every corporation within it. Trade and manufactures had de¬ 
cayed during the war, and many of the inhabitants were now nearly 
destitute of clothing, and the necessaries of life. Immediately after the 
peace was announced, the British sent over an immense quantity of 
cloths, of an inferior quality, which were sold at a most exorbitant 
price ; and thus almost all the money of the country was collected and 
carried abroad. The nation being in debt, and destitute of the means 
of payment, heavy taxes were necessarily iniposed. This increased 
the discontent, which already prevailed among the people, to an alarm¬ 
ing degree. The state governments resorted to various measures for 
the relief of their.citizens. In Rhode Island, the government issued a 
quantity of paper money, redeemable at a future day; this measure,, 
however, only involved them in all the difficulties which the general 
government had experienced from the same cause ;—depreciation of 
their bills,^ and loss of public credit. 

In Mafsachusetts, a law was passed, for making real and per- 

1786 estate a'tender in the discharge of executions 

Rebellion in* actions commenced at law. Other laws were also 

Massachusetts, passed, considered oppressive ; one for collecting former 
taxes, not paid in certain specified articles; and an- 
other, for rendering processes of law less expensive. The distress 
which prevailed in the country at length produced insurrections. In 
August, nearly fifteen hundred insurgents assembled under arms at 
Northampton, and took possession of the court house. Their object 
was to prevent the sittings of the court of common pleas, and, of course, 
the issuing of executions, under these obnoxious laws. The governor 
issued a proclamation, calling on the citizens to suppress such treason¬ 
able proceedings; but his proclamation was utterly disregarded. In' 
the next month, a sdbne similar to that at Northampton, was acted at 
Worcester. A body of men, exceeding three hundred, assembled, and 
compelled the court there sitting, to adjourn. 




1786.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


275 


Nor was Massachusetts the only state where a disno- „ , 

... ^ Rebellion in N. 

sition to insurgency manifested itself. In New Hamp- Hampshire. 

shire, a large body of malcontents assembled at Exeter, ““ 

where the general assembly of the state was convened, and surround. 

ing the house whCre they were in session, held them prisoners for 

several hours; but the citizens appearing in arms against them, the 

insurrection was soon crushed. 

The leader of the malcontents in Massachusetts, was Daniel Shays. 
At the head of three hundred men, he marched into Springfield, where 
the supreme judicial court was sitting, and took possession of the court 
house. lie then appointed a committee, who waited on the court with 
an order, couched in the humble form of a petition, requesting them not 
to proceed to business; and both parties retired. 

Tlie number of insurgents increased ; the posture of 1787. 

affairs became alarming ; and an army of 4,000 men was - 

at length ordered out for their dispersion. This force was placed un- 
dcr the command of Gen. Lincoln. His first measure was to march 
to Worcester; and he afforded such protection to the court at that 
place, that it resumed and executed the judicial functions. Orders 
were given to Gen. Shepard to collect a sufficient force 4o secure the 
arsenal at Springfield. Accordingly, he raised about 900 men, which 
were reinforced by 300 militia, from the county of Hampshire. At the 
head of his force, he marched as directed, to Springfield. 

On the 25th of January, Shays approached, at the head of 1,100 men. 
She{)ard sent out one of his aids to know the intention of the insur* 
gents, and to warn them of their danger. Their answer was, that they 
would have the barracks, and they proceeded to within a few hundred 
yards of .the arsenal. They were then informed, that the militia were 
])ostcd there, by order of the governor; and that they would be fired 
upon, if they approached nearer. They continued to advance, when 
Gen. Shepard ordered his men to fire, but to direct their fire over their 
heads; even this did not intimidate them, or retard their movements, 
'fhe artillery Was then levelled against the centre shay’s party 
column; three men were killed, one wounded, and the dispersed. 
whole body thrown into confusion. Shays attempted in 
vain to rally them. They made a precipitate retreat to LudloAV, about 
ten miles from Springfield, and soon after to Petersham ; but General 
Lincoln pursuing them, they finally dispersed. Some of the fugitives 
retired to their homes; but many, and among them their principal 
officers, took refuge in the states of New Hampshire, Vermont, and 
New-York.* 

* I have heard it asserted, by men who lived in tliose times, that many who joined Shay’s 
party, hardly knew for wliat; but, pinched and pressed by the hardness of the times, they 
became fretful and uneasy, and felt as if they must do something. It is said, that one of 





276 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1786. 


Commissioners were appointed by llie government of Massachusetts, 
empowered to promise pardon, on certain conditions, to all concerned 
in the rebellion. Several hundreds received the benefit of the commis. 
sion. Fourteen only were sentenced to death, and these were after¬ 
wards pardoned. 


Defects in the ^ proposal was, this year, made to amend the arti- 
American form cles of Confederation. The present frame of govern- 

-— ment, although it had served, during the pressure of 

danger, to keep the several parts of the nation together, was now found 
inadequate to providing for the national exigencies. In forming the 
articles of confederation, great care had been taken to withhold any 
delegation of power, which might hereafter endanger the liberties of the 
individual states. Congress had no authority to enforce its ordinances ; 
and now that the pressure of public danger was removed, they were 
contemned and disregarded. Some of the states had violated treaties 
which had been formed with foreign nations, and some had refused to 
adopt a system of impost which had been devised. It became evident 
that nothing could put a stop to evils of this description, but a more 
energetic form of government. 

In 1783, John Adams, then in Europe, suggested to congress the 
expediency of strengthening the general government. At th.e sugges¬ 
tion of Mr. Madison, in the legislature of Virginia, in 1785, a con¬ 
vention of delegates, from five of the middle states, met 

1786. at Annapolis, in 1786, who came to the conclusion, that 
states! nothing short of a thorough reform of the existing govern- 
ment, would be effectual for the welfare of the country. 
Congress approved their proceedings, and passed a resolution, recom¬ 
mending a general convention of delegates, to be holden at Philadelphia. 

1787 1787, the convention met, and, instead of 

Constitution amending the articles of confederation, they proceeded 
faddphi^ ^ Constitution. Their debates were long 

- and arduous. A momentous political experiment was to 

be tried, and the destinies of unborn millions hung upon their delibera¬ 
tion. Respecting many articles of the constitution, much difference 
of opinion existed. In particular, where the strength of the new go¬ 
vernment came in question, an honest diversity of opinion, in men of 
equal patriotism, prevailed. On the one hand, it was considered, that, 
if the government was made too weak, a state of anarchy, and conse¬ 
quent revolution, would ensue ; on the other, that if it were made too 


Shays’ captains harangued his men, previous to the affair at Springfield, to this effect: 
“ My fellow soldiers, we are here to fight for liberty. It may be some of you will want to 
know what liberty'is. Now I take it, that liberty consists in doing all and whatsoever we 
please, and keeping other people from serving tlie devil, and doing as they please.” 





1787 .] 


IlKi‘UIH.lC OF AMERICA. 


277 


strong, America would lose the blessings of liberty, which she had bled 
at every pore to obtain, and only make an exchange of foVeign, for do¬ 
mestic oppression. 

Some of these politicians thought the only safe mode of reasoning 
was from the experience of the past, and that all speculations not drawn 
from this source, should be condemned as impracticable, speculative, 
and visionary. These looked for an example to the constitution oF 
England, as containing the best form of government actually existing. 
Others believed that, as the circumstances of the times changed, go¬ 
vernments should accommodate themselves to the change. That the 
present state of the world, and the situation of America, had no paral- 
lels in history;—and that therefore the track of no former nation could 
serve as the guide to their voyage : bift, like the discoverer of their con¬ 
tinent, they must lay their course through the untravelled way, with 
nothing to guide them but the light of heaven, and their own observa¬ 
tion. The happy medium probably lies between the extremes of these 
two opinions ; and the constitution framed, being a compromise be¬ 
tween them, the form of government, which it prescribes, is probably, 
on that account, more perfect than if either side had wholly prevailed. 

Connected with these ideas concerning the greater or less degree of 
strength proper to give to the new government, was the subject of the 
consolidation, or strict independence of the states. Those who desired 
the general government to possess great strength, were charged by 
their opponents, with wishing so to arrange it, that, m the play of its 
parts, it would break down, and subject to itself, the state governments. 
Those, on the other hand, who feared oppression more than anarchy, 
watched, with a jealous eye, every infringement of state rights. Those 
in favour of holding the states strongly united, were called, at this time 
federalists, and their opponents, anti-federalists. 

Other points of dispute arose still more dangerous, because they 
divided parties by geographical lines. The most difficult of these, re¬ 
garded the representation, in congress, of the slave-holding states. 
The non-slave holders contended that the number of representatives 
sent, should only be in proportion to the number of free white inhabi¬ 
tants. This would bring some states, whose whole ‘population was 
great, upon a level with others, where the number of inhabitants was 
comparatively small; and members from these states would not give 
their consent to such an apportionment. This difficulty, like many 
others, which perplexed the convention, was compromised; and the 
slaves were allowed to be reckoned, in settling the quota of represen¬ 
tatives, as equal to three-fifths of an equal number of free white inha¬ 
bitants. 

That these great difficulties were compromised, holds up this con¬ 
vention, us an example to future times, of tlie triumph of strong pa- 


278 


HISTORY OR THE [1780. 

/ 

triotism and honest zeal for tlie public welfare, over party feeling and 
sectional prejudice. If the time shall ever come, when any Ame¬ 
rican congress, or convention, shall fail to compromise amicably, dis¬ 
putes, which conflicting interests must produce in this extensive repub¬ 
lic ; then will the day of its degeneracy have 'arrived, and its downfal 
be at hand; then will be experienced the triumph of party feeling and 
sectional interest, over patriotism and public zeal. The finger of his¬ 
tory would point with scorn at such a body of men, while she contrasted 
them with the wise and honest patriots, who framed the constitution 
which such a convention would have destroyed. 

The federal constitution, at the time of its adoption, was far from 

receiving the entire confidence which it now commands. It made the 

government too strong to please* *one party, and too weak to satisfy the 
other ; and while, on the one hand, it was believed, that it would, in its 
operation, eventually overturn the liberty of America, on the other, it 
was pronounced to be a rope of sand,” and the date of its dissolution 
was augured to be near. Now, the constitution of the IJnited States 
of America, after fifty years of experience, is regarded, by the friends 
of the rights of man, in both hemispheres, as the palladium of the civil * 
liberty of the world.* . , 

It was not without a struggle, that the new constitu- 

^ r - tion was adopted. Eleven of the states were, howeVbr, 

Federal consti- . * ' ’ 

tution adopted, early in the year 1789, brought to decide in favour of its 

ratification. Rhode Island, which had refused to send 
members to the convention in which it was framed, and North Caro¬ 
lina, refused to accept it. 

The first president, under the new constitution, was Washington; 
upon whom his grateful countrymen were unanimous, in bestowing this 
high office. The first vice president was that-profound and honest 

statesman, John Adams. 

• { 


Geographical notices of the country at i the Eighth Epocha, or in 1789, 
, , ‘ the date of the Eighth Map. 

Population. 

Maine,... 

. ^ V " New Hampshire, 

Vermont,. 

Massachusetts, . 

Rhode Island,.. 


96,540. 

.141,885. 

85,589. 

,373,324. 

64,470. 


* See Annendix. 








1783.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


279 


Connecticiit,.232,374. 

New-York, •..314,142:' 

New Jersey,.169,954. 

Pennsylvania,..... .424,099. 

Delaware, .. 46,310. 

Maryland,..•.319,649. 

Virginia,. 442,117. 

Kentucky,. 61,133. 

Tennessee,. 77,262. 

North Carolina,.288,204. 

South Carolina,.140,178. 

Georgia,. 52,886. 

Territory south of the Ohio,. 31,913. 

Territory northwest of Ohio,. 15,000. 


Principal towns —Had now become so numerous, that the learner is 
referred to the geographies of the present time, for their names and 
location. 

Exports» —The principal exports from the New England states were 
provisions, lumber, and pot and pearl ashes. Wheat, the staple com¬ 
modity of the middle states. Indian corn, tobacco, rice, and cotton, 
exported from the southern states. The whole amount of exports from 
the United States this year, amounted to $16,000,000. 

Colleges. —Harvard, Yale, William and Mary’s, Columbia, Nassau 
Hall, Rhode Island College, Dartmouth, the University of Pennsylva¬ 
nia, Washington College in Charlestown, Maryland, Dickinson Col- 
lege in Carlisle, St. John’s in Annapolis, Cokesbury College, Franklin 
College in Lancaster, Penn., and the Roman Catholic College in 
Georgetown. 

Commerce and manufactures. —Manufactories of iron, leather, skins, 
and paper, were extensively established in various parts of the United 
States. Woollen cloths were also manufactured in some of the states. 
Commerce, to a considerable extent was carried on with Europe, and 
the East and West Indies. 


Societies formed. 

1779. Massachusetts Charitable Society was incorporated. 

1780. The American Society of Arts and Sciences was incorporated. 
1783. The Society of Cincinnati, instituted by the olficers of the 
















280 


HISTORY OF THtJ 


revolutionary army ; many of whom, like the Roman Cincinnatus, had 
left their’l)lough to deliver their country, and afterwards returned to 
their homes. 

1784. The Boston Episcopal Charitable Society incorporated. 

1785. The Agricultural Society of Philadelphia, the Humane So 
ciety of Massachusetts, and the Association of Manufacturers ant: 
Tradesmen in Boston, were formed. 

1780. The Connecticut Society of Arts was instituted. The Scotch 
Charitable Society, and the Massachusetts Congregational Charitable 
Society incorporated. 

1788. The Moravian Society, for the propagation of the gospel 
among the heathen, was incorporated by the government of Penn-* 
sylvania. 


Year in which 
they died. 


Catalogue of eminent men who died during the period^ 
extending from 1776 to 1789. 


1776 . 


1777 . 


1778 . 


1779 . 


1780 . 


Cadwallader Colden, an eminent physician, bo¬ 
tanist, and astronomer—author of a “History of the 
Five Nations of Indians.” 

John Morton, one of the signers of the declaration 
of independence. 

John Bartram, a celebrated botanist, who published 
a “ Description of East Florida,” and Observations on 
the inhabitants, climate, soil, &;c,, made in his travels 
from Pennsylvania to Onondago. 

Button Gwinett, one of the signers of the declara¬ 
tion of independence. 

Nicholas Biddle, captain in the navy of the United 
States. 

Philip Livingston, one of the signers of the declafti- 
tion of independence. 

Francis Bernard, governor of Massachusetts. 

Thomas Lynch, jun., one of the signers of the. decla¬ 
ration of independence. 

John Winthrof, L. L. D., F. R. S. a distinguished 
philosopher and astronomer. 

John Hart, one of the signers of the declaration of 
independence. 

Eleazer Wheelock, first president of Dartmouth 
college. 

Thomas Hutchinson, governor of Massachusetts— 
author of a “ History of Massachusetts.” 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


2Si 


Richabd Stockton, one of the signers of the decla¬ 
ration of independence. 

Charles Lee, major-general in the American army. 

Robert Monckton, governor of New-York. 

Satviuel Cooper, D. D., an eminent divine. 

James Otis, a distinguished patriot and statesman; 
author of a ‘‘ Dissertation on Letters,” and the “ Power 
of Harmony in poetic and prosaic composition.” 

Anthony Benezet, a distinguished philanthropist. 

Jonathan Trumbull, a distinguished patriot, and 
governor of Connecticut. 

William Whipple, one of the signers of the decla¬ 
ration of independence. 

Stephen Hopkins, one of the signers of the declara¬ 
tion of independence. 

Nathaniel Greene, a major-general in the American 
army. 

Charles Chauncey, D. D., a divine eminent for his 
learning and piety—publications numerous, chiefly the¬ 
ological. 

Thomas Gage, the last governo^ appointed by the 
king. 

Thomas Stone, one of the signers of the declaration 
of independence. 

Arthur Middleton, one of the signers of the decla¬ 
ration of independence. 

Thomas Cushing, L. L. D., a distinguished patriot. 


1781 . 

1782 . 

1783 . 

1784 . 

1785 . 


1786 . 


1787 . 


1788 . 


282 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1789. 


FART IX. 

COMPRISES THE EVENTS WHICH OCCURKEO FROM THE 


Adoption of the I EIGHTH EPOCHA^ 1*780. | Federal Constitution. 
TO THE 

Purchase of| NINTH EPOCIIA^ 1803. ^Louisiana. 


SECTION I. 

Tile 4th of March, 1789, was the day upon which the new govern¬ 
ment was to commence its operations. But from necessary delays, the 
inauguration of the president did not take place until the 30th of April. 

Washington Washington, since his resignation, had busied himself 
denr*^ in the peaceful and respectable pursuits of agriculture ; 

- and he was upon his farm, when the official intelligence 

of his appointment, to be the head of the nation, was announced to 
him. He signified his willingness to comply ; and proceeded, without 
delay, to New-York, where congress first convened. In his progress, 
he was met by numerous bodies of the people, who hailed him as the 
father of his country ; and triumphal arches were erected, to comme¬ 
morate his achievements. He approached New-York by sea, attended 
by a deputation from congress, and was received by the governor, as 
he landed, amidst the firing of artillery, and the acclamations of the 
people. 

1789. ceremony of his inauguration was witnessed, with 

April 30. inexpressible joy, by a great multitude of spectators, 

at novelty and the importance of the transaction, the 

- benign dignity of Washington’s character and manners, 

the remembrance of the sufferings, by which America had won the • 




1789.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


right to govern itself, and which, with a father’s anxious solicitude, he 
had shared; all conspired to make the pageant inexpressibly solemn 
and afiecting. 

In an address to both houses of congress, he modestly declared his 
incapacity for “the weighty and untried cares before him,”’and offered 
his “ fervent supplications to that Almighty Being, whose providential 
aid can supply every human defect, that his benediction would conse- 
crate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States 
a government instituted by therhselves for essential purposes; and would 
enable every instrument, employed in its administration, to execute 
with success the functions allotted to his charge.” He remarked, that 
“ the foundation of our national policy should be laid in the pure prin¬ 
ciples of private morality; and that no truth was more thoroughly es¬ 
tablished, than that there exists an indissoluble union between virtue 
and happiness ; between duty and advantage; between the genuine 
maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy, and the solid rewards 
of public prosperity and felicity.” An attention to these considera¬ 
tions, he enforced by the weighty reasons, “ that the success of the re¬ 
publican form of government is justly considered, as deeply, perhaps 
finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the American people ; 
and that the propitious smiles of heaven could never be expected on a 
nation, that disregarded the eternal rules of order and right, which 
heaven itself had ordained.” 

Congress made it their first object to establish a reve- congress esta- 

nue sufficient, for the support of government, and for the ^llsh a system 
* ^ 11- 1-0* revenue, 

discharge of the debt, contracted during the revolution- -- 

ary war. For this purpose, they laid duties on the importation of mer¬ 
chandise, and on the tonnage of vessels; thus drawing into the public 
treasury, funds which had before been collected and appropriated by 
individual states. To counteract the commercial regulations of foreign 
nations, and encourage American shipping, higher tonnage duties were 
imposed on foreign, than on American vessels, and ten per cent, less 
duty on goods imported in vessels owned by Americans, than in those 
belonging to foreigners. 

To aid the president in the discharge of his high and 
arduous duties, it became necessary to provide suitable are regulated, 
assistants in the secret departments of foreign, or state 
affairs, of war, and of the treasury. The heads of these departments 
were to be called secretaries, and to receive a salary of three thousand 
five hundred dollars. Those who were first appointed to fill these 
offices, were, Thomas Jefferson, secretary of state ; Alexander Hamil¬ 
ton, secretary of the treasury; and Gen. Knox, secretary of war. 
These officers had the direction of their several departments, subject, 
however, to the inspection and control of the president, to whom they 




284 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1789. 


Constitution 

amended. 


were, whenever required, to make report in writing. The appoint¬ 
ment of these officers was, by the constitution, made by the president 
and senate ; the power to nominate, resting solely with the presi¬ 
dent ; and that of confirming, or rejecting the nomination, with the 
senate. A* dispute arose in congress, on this question, provided they 
did not efficiently co-operate with him, or faithfully perform their du¬ 
ties, should the president alone have power to remove these assist¬ 
ants, or must the senate concur in the removal ? After much debate, 
a majority of bqth houses decided, that the president might remove 
the .he?id^ of departments, at his pleasure. 

During this session, a proposition was made to amend 
the constitution. Congress, after a long and animated 
-— discussion of the subject, agreed upon twelve new arti¬ 
cles, which were submitted to the respective state legislatures; and 
being approved by three-fourths of these bodies, they became a part 
of that instrument. 

It was during' this session also, that the important 
A national judl- -yyork of establishing a national judiciary, was accom- 

ciary establish- . . .. . 

ed. plished. This judiciary was to take cognizance of all 

cases, occurring under the constitution and laws of the 
United States; of all disputes, arising with foreigners, and between the 
Inhabitants of different states. It was to consist of a supreme court, 
circuit and district courts. Of these, the district court, which was to 
consist of one judge for each district, or state, was considered the low¬ 
est ; and causes were appealed from this to the circuit court, which 
was to consist of one of the five associate judges of the supreme court, 
and the district judge of the state in which the court was held. Causes 
were appealable from this tribunal to the supreme court, which was to 
consist of a chief justice, and five associate judges ; and was to hold 
two sessions, annually, at the seat of government. John Jay was ap¬ 
pointed chief justice ; and Edward Randolph, attorney-general. 

Salaries fixed. salary of the president was fixed at twenty-five 

- thousand dollars a year, and that of the vice president at 

five thousand. The representatives received six dollars per day, and 
six dollars for every twenty miles’ travel; the senate seven dollars per 
day, and tbe game for travel. The chief justice of the supreme court 
was allowed fpur thousand dollars, and the associate judges three thou 
sand five hundred per annum. 

Public thanks- Before their adjournment, congress, with becoming 
^ving. piety, requested the president to recommend to the peo- 

' pie a day of public prayer and thanksgiving; in which 

they should unitedly acknowledge, “ with grateful hearts, the many and 
signal favours of Almighty God, especially by affording them an oppor? 






1789.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


,285 


tunity peaceably to establish a constitution of government for their 
safety and happiness.” 

On the 29th of September, the first session of congress closed; the 
secretary of the treasury being previously directed, by a resolution of 
the house of representatives, to prepare a plan for providing for the 
adequate support of the public credit, and to report the same at the 
next meeting of congress. 

After the adjournment of congress, the president made „ ., 

^ X rcsKidit visits 

a tour through New England, where he was received by New England. 

the inhabitants with demonstrations of the most filial af- 

fection. They crowded around him. They vied with each other in 

the display of hospitable attentions. Parents brought their children, 

that they might view in him the living model of excellence, and that 


they might have, in after life, the satisfaction of reflecting that they 
had, with their own eyes, beheld the man whom the history of their 
country ranked as the first of her citizens. 

In November, North Carolina acceded to the new constitution. 

The second session of the first congress began on the 1790 

6th of January, 1790. Mr. Hamilton early complied Mr. Hamilton’s 

with the directions given him at the close of the former fund- 

® mg the national 

session, and brought forward his celebrated report, which f^ebt. 
was drawn up with a masterly hand. lie showed the 
importance of public credit, and proposed, as the means of supporting 
that of the United States, a system of assuming or funding, not only 
the public debt, amounting to fifty-four millions of dollars, but also the 
state debts, estimated at twenty-five millions; and of making perma¬ 
nent provision for the payment of the interest, by imposing taxes on 
certain articles of luxury, and on spirits distilled within the United 
States. The debates on this report produced an irritation of feeling, 
which, in the event, shook the foundation of the government, and may 
fairly be said, to be the origin of that division of sentiment and feeling, 
which agitated so long and so violently the national councils; and 
which gave rise to the two great political parties that, under the names 
of federalists and republicans, for thirty years arrayed one part of the 
American community against the other. There were two grand points 
of difference in the opinions of the opposing parties. That concerning 
the assumption of the state debts, by the general government, which 
was last debated, caused the most serious division of sentiment; the 
northern members, who were mostly federalists, advocated the me a- 
sure; while the majority of the southern members, who belonged to 
the other party, opposed it. 

The other point of difference was, whether in the case of funding the 
domestic debt, there should be any discrimination between the present 
Jiolders of public securities, and those to whom the debt was originally 




286 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1790. 


due. The federalists, who looked to the secretary of the treasury as 
the head of their party, were, with him, in favour of making no differ¬ 
ence between the present and the original holder of the continental 
bills, chiefly on the ground that government ought not to interfere in 
transfers while the republican party vainly advocated the discrimina¬ 
tion ; contending, that it was unjust that the vetera’ns of the revolution, 
who had been obliged to receive this paper in lieu of gold and silver, 
and were afterwards compelled to part with it at perhaps one seventh 
of its nominal value, should now be condemned to poverty, while the 
speculator was receivmg the reward of their blood and services. 

After much debate, Mr. Madison proposed, that the present holder 
of assignable paper should receive the highest price such paper had 
borne in market, and the original holder receive the residue. These 
propositions were finally rejected; the friends of the secretary con¬ 
tending, that they could not be carried into effect, so as to prevent the 
results apprehended, as many of the original certificates were issued to 
persons, who, in fact, had no interest in them, as they were for the 
benefit of others, to whom it was understood they were to be transferred. 

The subject of assuming the state debts, recalled former subjects of 
animosity, and brought forward new matter of dissension. Mr. Hamil¬ 
ton was suspected of monarchical views. Having been in a situation 
to observe the evils arising from a want of power in the continental 
congress, he had, in the convention for framing the constitution, been 
an advocate for strength in the general government, and was at the 
time accused of wishing so to arrange it, that in its operation, it 
would break down, and subject to itself, the state governments. Those 
whose suspicions were thus excited, now believed that tlie funding sys- 
tern, in its essential features, especially as regarded the assumption of 
the state debts, was a part of the same plan; contending, that its de- 
sign was to strengthen the general government, by making the state 
creditors, and other capitalists, dependent upon it; and thus engaging 
the great monied interest of the country to defend its measures, whether 
right or wrong. 

Those in favour of the assumption, contended, that the debts incur, 
red by the states were not for their own benefit, but for the promotion 
of the common cause ; and that, therefore, it was right the whole na¬ 
tion should be responsible. The debts of the states most active in the 
war were greatest; those of Massachusetts and Carolina amounting to 
ten millions and a half, while those of all the other states were not 
more than fifteen millions. Should each state be left to provide for 
the payment of its own debts, these states must, in some way, lay un¬ 
usual burdens upon their inhabitants; thus obliging them a second 
time to be the greatest sufierers in the common cause. On taking the 


1790.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


287 


After much dis¬ 
pute, Mr.Haniil- 
ton’s plans are 
adopted. 


vote in the house of representatives, the plans of the secretary were 
rejected by a majority of two. 

In the mean time, disputes had taken place with respect 
to the temporary, as well as the permanent seat of go¬ 
vernment. It was understood that should it be fixed for 
ten years at Philadelphia, and afterwards at a place to 
be selected on the Potomac, that some of the members of the house of 
representatives, from the Potomac, would withdraw their opposition to 
Mr. Hamilton. This was accordingly done, and his plans were adopted. 
The debt funded amounted to a little more than seventy-five millions 
of dollars, upon a part of which an interest of three per cent, was paid, 
and on the remainder, six per cent. 

In May, 1790, Rhode Island acceded to the new constitution ; thus 
completing the union of the Thirteen United States, under one govern¬ 
ment. 

Soon after the commencement of the third session of 
congress, a bill was introduced for laying the taxes which 
the secretary had proposed for the payment of the inte- 
rest on the assumed debt of the states. That for laying 
duties on distilled spirits, was urged on the ground, that the inhabi¬ 
tants beyond the Alleghany mountains, where no other spirits were 
consumed, would not otherwise bear an equal burden with those on the 
sea coast, who consumed most of the articles on which an impost duty 
was laid. The bill, after much debate, was carried. 

On the seventh of August, a treaty^ was concluded be¬ 
tween the United States and the Creek Indians; thus Creekl 


Duties are laid 
onAnierican dis¬ 
tilled spirits. 


putting a period to the fears of a Creek war, which had, 
for several years, agitated the people of Georgia. 

During the third session of congress, an act was passed, accepting 
the cession of the claims of North Carolina to a district, west of that 
state, and a territorial government was established by congress, under 
the title of “ The Territory of the United States, south of the Ohio.” 

This year also Kentucky was erected into an independent govern¬ 
ment, receiving its name from its principal river. 

A national bank was, during this session, recommended by the secre¬ 
tary. It met with a violent opposition from the republican party. 
They considered all banking institutions as useless, the present bill 
defective, and the power of establishing a bank not granted to con¬ 
gress. The supporters of the bill considered it as constitutional; and 
a national bank not only useful, but necessary for the operations of 
government. The president required the opinions of the cabinet in 
writing. Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Randolph opposed, 1791. 
while Mr. Hamilton and Gen. Knox sanctioned the bill, a national bank 
After deliberate investigation, the president was con- 


rstablishcd. 






‘^88 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1791 


viiiccd of its constitutioiuilily and utility, and gave it his signature. 
The bank was established at Philadelphia, with a capital of ten millions 
of dollars. 

The dissensions on the subject of the fundina: and bank- 

Farty dissen- . , 

sions throughout liig systciiis, thus originating in the heart ot the republic, 

in* *^thrcSet'^ spread themselves to its extremities, and every where 

- were the signal for the people to range themselves in 

parties. The secretary of state was active and determined in his op¬ 
position to the measures of Mr. Hamilton. He doubtless believed them 
prejudicial to the^ interests of his country; but it appears problem¬ 
atical, whether, as a member of the cabinet, it was right for him to 
spread through the country, a spirit of disaffection* to measures taken 
by another member of the same cabinet, acting in the legitimate exer¬ 
cise of his proper functions. As an individual patriot, Mr. Jefferson 
would certainly have been correct in persuading his countrymen to op¬ 
pose what he believed would tend to subvert their liberties ; but it would 
seem that, by the resignation of his office, he should have become 
merely an actor in an individual capacity, before he took any measures of 
hostility against Mr. Hamilton. As it was, the venerable Washington 
had the unhappiness to witness his two principal secretaries, both men 
of vast abilities, in determined hostility to each other, and the mortifi¬ 
cation to find his affectionate remonstrances and exhortations, ineffec¬ 
tual to their reconcilement. 

Vermont admit- New-Yoi'k having relinquished its claims to jurisdic- 
led to the Union, tion in Vermont, this state adopted the federal constitu¬ 

tion ; and, on the application of its principal citizens, was 
this year admitted into the Union. 

In 1791, the first census, or enumeration of the inhabitants of the 
United States, was completed. They amounted to 3,921,326. The 
revenue amounted to 4,771,000 dollars, the exports to 19,000,000, and 
the imports to about 20,000,000. 

In October, the second congress commenced its first session. One 
of its first acts was that of apportioning the number of representatives 
according to the census. After much disagreement a bill passed fixing 
the ratio at one for every thirty-three thousand inhabitants. 


* Mr. Jefferson, it is said, patronized a paper which vilified the conduct and measures of 
the secretary of the treasury. Of this, Marshall gives the following notice“ Other papers 
enlisted themselves under the banners of the opposition. Conspicuous among these, was the 
National Gazette, a paper edited by a clerk in the department of state. The avowed pur¬ 
pose for which the secretary patronized this paper, was to present to the eye of the Ameri¬ 
can people, European intelligence derived from the Leyden Gazette, instead of the English- 
papers; but it soon became the vehicle of calumny against the funding and banking sys¬ 
tems ; against the duty on home spirits, which was denominated an excise, and against th« 
men who had proposed and supported those measures.” 




1790.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


ass' 


SECTION II. 


1790. 
Sept. 30. 

Harnier defeat¬ 
ed by the In- 


1791. 


While congress was agitated by party strife and con¬ 
flicting interests, an Indian war was opening in the 
northwestern frontiers of the states. Pacific arrange¬ 
ments had been attempted by the president with the hos- dian^. 
tile tribes in Ohio, but without effect. On their failure, 

Gen. Ilarmer was sent with a force amounfmg to 1,400 men to reduce 
to terms. He was successful in destroying their villages, and the pro¬ 
duce of their fields; but in an engagement near Chilicothe he was de¬ 
feated with considerable loss. 

Upon the failure of Gen. Harmer, Major-Gen. St. 

Clair, governor of the northwest territory, was appointed 
to succeed him. He hastened to protect, with his army, the unfortu¬ 
nate inhabitants, who were now left without defence, to suffer all the 
midnight horrors of Indian warfare. With a force amounting to nearly 
2,000 men, St. Clair marched into the wilderness in the month of Oc¬ 
tober of the following year. On the 3d of November, he encamped 
within a few miles of the Miami villages, with his army, which was 
reduced, by desertion and detachment, to fourteen hundred. Here he 
intended to remain until reinforced. Notwithstanding the many melan¬ 
choly examples of similar disasters in the armies of his ^ 

country, St. Clair suffered himself to be surprised. The st. Clair surpri- 
troops which were posted in front, were driven in great the'indhms'^ 

disorder upon the regulars. In vain did St. Clair at- - 

tempt to rally the flying militia, and repulse the savages. They ap¬ 
peared on all sides of the American army, and poured in such a deadly 
fire from the surrounding thickets, as strewed the field with the wounded, 
the dying, and the dead. After a contest of three hours, Gen. St. 
Clair, disabled by indisposition, from performing the active duties of 
commander, ordered a retreat, which was effected; and the remnant' 
of his army was saved from total ruin. The victorious Indians pur¬ 
sued closely about four miles, when they returned to share the spoils 
of the camp. Gen. St. Clair retreated to fort Jefferson, and afterwards 
to fort Washington. In this disastrous battle, the numbers engaged on 
each side were nearly equal. The loss of the Indians is not known , 
but that of the Americans was 630 killed and missing, and 260 wound¬ 
ed ; a slaughter almost unparalleled. The whole American Camp and 
artillery fell into the hands of the enemy. 

On receiving information of this disaster, congress 1792. 

resolved to prosecute the war with increased vigour; to -—- 

augment the army by enlistment, and to put the frontiers in a state of 






290 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1793. 


defence. In pursuance of the resolutions of congress, Washington en¬ 
deavoured to put on foot an army sufficient for a vigorous prosecution 
of the war with the Indians ; but the defeats of Harmer and St. Clair 
produced such a dread of the Indians, that a sufficient number of re¬ 
cruits could not be raised to authorize an expedition against them. 
There was a violent clamour against the war; and the president 
deemed it advisable to make another effort at negotiation with the un¬ 
friendly Indians. The charge of this business was committed to Col. 
Harden and Major Trueman, who were both murdered by the savages. 

Kentucky was this year admitted to the Union. 

Soon after the opening of the next session of congress, a motion was 
made to reduce the military establishment, but it did not prevail. 

In 1792, a mint was established by congress, and the division and 
value of the money, to be used throughout the country, regulated by 
statute. 

1793 Gen. Washington was again elected president, and in 

' Washington in- March, 1793, was inaugurated. Mr. Adams was also 
auguraied presi- j-e-elected vice president. 

- The president, intent on terminating the war with the 

Indians, had obtained the intervention of the Six Nations. Through 
their friendly agency, a treaty of peace had been negotiated with the 
Indians, on the Wabash ; and the Miamis had consented to a conference 
the ensuing spring. 

About this time, the French revolution, which had commenced in 
1789, began seriously to affect the politics of the United States. A 
new government was at first established in France, which had for its 
fundamental principle, the universal equality of man. Hopes were en¬ 
tertained, that France would now enjoy the blessings of a free govern¬ 
ment ; but the leaders of the revolution were selfish and unprincipled 
men, and their sanguinary measures soon blasted these hopes. Louis 
XVI. was executed, his family murdered or imprisoned, and all who 
were suspected as being hostile to their views, particularly the nobility, 
suffered decapitation by the guillotine. 

Effect of the The parties which had agitated the Union were now 
Um"oi^ thTu.^S. imaging with increased violence. The democratic or re- 

- publican party, viewing France, as in the same situation 

with America, when contending for her rights against the tyranny of 
Great Britain, beheld with pleasure the downfal of kings, and the dis¬ 
semination of their own principles; and though they disapproved the 
ferocity and cruelty of the rival parties, yet they trusted that good or¬ 
der would.eventually be restored, and a republic of the most perfect 
kind established. The federalists, regarding their country as con¬ 
nected with Britain by identity of origin, the various ties of commercial 
interest, by resemblance of institutions, and by similarity of language. 




1793.1 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


291 


literature, and religion ; shocked with the crimes of the French rulers, 
and alarmed at the system of disorganization which they had intro¬ 
duced, were led to doubt whether, amidst suoh a state of things, a re¬ 
publican form of government could permanently be maintained. They 
charged the republican party with espousing the cause of France, and 
thus fostering a spirit of disorganization. Their public prints teemed 
with the most terrific visions of the future condition of the country, 
should the republican party gain the ascendency. Law, religion, and 
good order, they foretold, would all be subverted ; the churches sacri¬ 
legiously demolished, and the written word of God committed to the 
flames. The republican prints retorted with equal asperi'^^y, charging 
their political opponents with hostility to republican institutions, and 
mean subserviency to the policy of Great Britain. 

In April, 1793, information was received of the decla- ^ 
ration of war by France against Great Britain and Hoi- Washington is¬ 
land. Washington was an American, and he did not siiesaprodama- 

, . tion of neutra- 

clioose to involve his country in the contests of Europe, lity. 

He accordingly, with the unanimous advice of his ca¬ 
binet, issued a })roclamation of neutrality. This measure contributed, in 
a great degree, to the prosperity of America. Its adoption was the 
more honourable to the president, as the general sympathy was in fa¬ 
vour of the sister reiuiblic, against whom it was said. Great Britain had 
commenced a war for the sole purpose of imposing upon her a monar¬ 
chical form of govern'ment; but he preferred the welfare of his eountry 
to the breath of popular applause. 

The French minister, who had been appointed by the king, w^as 
about this time recalled ; and in April, Mr. Genet, who was appointed 
by the republic, arrived in Charleston, S. C. The flat¬ 
tering reception he met with, induced him to believe, iTistofArrives”' 

that he could easily persuade the American people to and creates dis- 

11-1 /• T’l I - 1 I 1 tmbance in A- 

embark in the cause of franco, whatever might be the merica. 

determination of government. This opinion of his was 

followed by the presumptuous procedure of fitting out privateers from 

the port of Charleston, to cruise against the vessels of the enemies of 

France, nations, however, at peace with the United States. Nor was 

this the only act of sovereignty which he attempted. He projected 

hostile expeditions against Florida, from South Carolina and Georgia; 

and against New Orleans and Louisiana, from the state of Kentucky. 

These expeditions were put in a train of execution, and were not finally 

relinquished until disavowed by the minister who succeeded him. 

Notwithstanding these illegal assumptions of power, he was welcomed 
at Philadelphia by the most extravagant marks of joy. Mr. Hammond, 
the British minister, complained of these proceedings. The cabinet 
unanimously disapproved of them, and determined to enforce the laws 




292 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1794, 


against those citizens who had committed the offence. Genet accused 
the executive of acting in opposition to the wishes of the people, and 
even threatened an appeal from the government to the people. This 
threat turned many against him, who had before been his advocates, 
and rendered the cause of France less popular in America. When 
congress met in December, the proclamation of neutrality was ap* 
proved, as well as the conduct of the administration towards Mr. Genet. 
France, at the request of the president, annulled his powers, and he 
was succeeded by Mr. Fauchet, who arrived in the United States, 
February, 1794. 

On the 1st of January, 1794, Mr. Jefferson resigned 
Mr Jeffwson re office of secretary of state, and was succeeded by 
signs his office. Mr. Randolph. The office of attorney-general was 
filled by Mr. William Bradford. 


SECTION III. 


The duties which had been laid by congress on distilled spirits, ere- 
ated great dissatisfaction. In the western counties of Pennsylvania, it 
soon assumed the appearance of a regular progressive system of re¬ 
sistance. Combinations were formed to prevent the operation of the 
laws, by exciting the resentment of the people against those concerned 
in their execution ; and for this purpose, in 1791, a general meeting 
of the malcontents was held at Pittsburg, and correspondences esta¬ 
blished among them, in order to give union to their measures. This 
state of things called for the most vigorous measures on the part of 
government. Officers of inspection were appointed, and a proclama- 
tion issued by the president, exhorting and admonishing all persons to 


1794. 

Insurrection in 
Pennsylvania, 
on account of 
the duties on dis¬ 
tilled spirits. 


desist from any combinations to prevent the execution of the laws. 

These measures did not check the progress of insur¬ 
rection; and the insurgents now proceeded to the most 
violent outrages. The marshal of the state, while serving 
processes against offenders, was seized by a body of 
armed men, and afterwards compelled to enter into an 
engagement to refrain from executing the duties of his office. The 
inspector, apprehensive of danger, after applying in vain for protection 
from the civil authority, procured a small number of soldiers, to guard 
his house. It was attacked by five hundred of the insurgents, who, 
hy setting fire to the surrounding buildings, compelled those within to 
surrender themselves, and deliver up the papers of the inspector. 




1794.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


293 


Both this officer, and the marshal, were obliged to withdraw from the 
seat of the insurrection. The avowed motives of these, and many other 
outrages, were to compel the resignation of the officers concerned in 
the collection of the offensive duties, and by opposing, with force, the 
authority of the United States, to procure a repeal of the laws, imposing 
these duties, and also a change in the measures of the government. 
The force of the insurgents was calculated at 7,000 men. 

Washington, having vainly attempted persuasive measures, now 
found himself compelled to resort to force. A requisition was made on 
the governors of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, 
for fifteen hundred militia, who were placed under the command of 
Gov. Lee, of Virginia. This powerful force had the intended effect; 
inspiring such salutary terror, that no farther opposition was attempted. 
Several of the most active leaders were detained for legal prosecution, 
but afterwards pardoned; as were also two who were tried and con¬ 
victed of treason. In the management of this difficult affair, the energy 
and wisdom of Washington were again conspicuous, at once awing the 
disaffected by force, and soothing them by lenity. 

At this session of congress, an act was passed to raise a naval force, 
consisting of six frigates, for the purpose of protecting the American 
commerce against Algerine corsairs. Eleven merchant vessels, and 
upwards of one hundred citizens, had been captured by these corsairs ; 
and further preparations, it was understood, were making for a renewed 
attack upon the unprotected commerce of the United States. 

A war with Great Britain was, at this time, appre- Unpleasant state 
hended. Since the peace of 1783, mutual complaints of relations with 

were made by the United States and Great Britain, for - 

violating the stipulations contained in the treaty. The former were 
accused of preventing the loyalists from regaining possession of their 
estates, and British subjects from recovering debts, contracted before 
tbe commencement of hostilities. The Americans complained, that 
certain military posts, situated in the western wilderness, within the 
limits of the United States, were still retained; that the Indians were 
incited to make incursions upon the frontier settlements; and that in- 
jurious commercial restrictions had been imposed. By these restric¬ 
tions, American vessels, trading to the ports of France, might be seized 
by English cruisers, carried into England, and there condemned. 

In this situation of affairs, congress assembled. A bill passed, laying 
an embargo for thirty days, one for erecting fortifications, one for rais¬ 
ing a provisional army, and another for organizing the militia. To 
avert, how'ever, if possible, the calamity of another war, Mr. Jay was , 
sent to England, for the purpose of negotiating with the British 
government. 

Gen. St. Clair, after his defeat in 1791, resigned his command, and 



294 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1781. 


was succeeded by Gen. Wayne.^ The Indians of Ohio, still continuing 
hostile, and the attempt to negotiate with them, the preceding year, 
having failed, he marched into their countrj^, and encamped for the 
winter, at Greenville. He also occupied the ground where the battle 
had been fought in 1791; and there erected fort Recovery. Early in 
August, he reached the confluence of the Au Glaize and Miami rivers, 
about thirty miles from a British post, where the whole strength of the 
enemy, which was estimated at 2,000 men, was collected. His own 
force amounted to three thousand. After sending several messengers, 
with the vain endeavour of negotiating a peace, on the 15th of August, 
he proceeded against them, and found them advantageously posted, 
behind the British fort. On the morning of the 20th, the Americans 
^ advanced in columns, and, at the first charge, broke the 

Gene^E* Wayne enemy’s lines. The Indians retreated, and for two hours 
defeats the In- were pursued at the point of the bayonet. Numbers of 

—- them were killed ; and subsequently their whole country 

was laid waste, and forts erected upon the ruins of their settlements. 
This decisive victory disposed tlie Indians to peace, and had a salutary 
effect on all the tribes, northwest of the Ohio, and also upon the Six 
Nations. 

1795. January 1st, Mr. Hamilton resigned his office of secre- 

Change of secre- tary of the treasury, and was succeeded by Oliver Wol- 

- cott, from Connecticut. At the close of this session, 

Gen. Knox also resigned his office of secretary of war, and was suc¬ 
ceeded by Timothy Pickering. 

1794. having negotiate^ a treaty with Great Britain, 

November 19, 1794, returned to America in the spring 
—^^- of 1795. This treaty, having been laid before the se¬ 

nate, was, after considerable debate, ratified by that body. It pro¬ 
vided that the posts, which the British had retained, should be given up 
to the Americans, and compensation made for illegal captures ; and that 
the American government should pay to the British, £000,000, in trust 
for the subjects of Great Britain to whom American citizens were in¬ 
debted. But it did not prohibit the right of searching merchant ves¬ 
sels, claimed by the British ; and was thus an abandonment of the 
favourite principle of the Americans, that “free ships make free goods.” 
While the senate were debating the subject with closed doors, a mem¬ 
ber had given an incorrect copy of it to a printer. It was circulated 
with rapidity, and produced much irritation. The president received 
addresses from every part of the Union, praying him to withhold his 
signature ; but Washington, believing the treaty to be the best which, 
under existing circumstances, could be obtained, signed it, in defiance 
of popular clamour. At the next session of congress, an attempt was 
made, by the republican party, to hinder the treaty from going i to 





1795.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


29& 


1795. 

Treaty with 
Algiers. 

With the In¬ 
dians. 

Oct. 27. 

Treaty with 
Spain. 


effect, by refusing to vote for tlie necessary supplies of money. After 
a long debate, in which several members, particularly Fisher Ames, 
ot Massachusetts, displayed much eloquence, and the parties generally, 
much heat and irritation, the appropriation was carried by a majority 
ot three, and the treaty went into effect. The republican party, al¬ 
though, in general, confiding in their beloved president, considered that 
his sanction to this instrument was a proof that his judgment partook 
in some small degree of human fallibility. They believed the peace 
which it purchased, while the odious right of search was granted to 
England, would be short-lived and inglorious. Washington probably 
thought it was better than war; and that should war ultimately arise 
from the insulting and injurious exercise of that*pow'er, it were better 
deferred, until the state had gained the strength and vigour of a few 
more years’ consolidation. 

A treaty was also made this season with Algiers; the 
commerce of the Mediterranean was opened, and the 
American captives were restored. A treaty w'as also 
concluded with the Indians in the west; thus securfng the 
frontiers from savage invasion. 

A treaty with Spain soon after followed. Tliat power 
had endeavoured to cause the western boundary of the 
neW republic to be fixed three hundred miles east of the Mississippi. 
She denied the inhabitants beyond the Alleghany mountains, access to 
the ocean through that river, the mouth of which was in her province 
of Louisiana. To adjust these differences, Thomas Pinkney was ap¬ 
pointed envoy extraordinary to the court of Madrid. In October, a 
treaty was signed, allowing the claims of the republic, as to the western 
boundary ; securing to the United States free navigation of the Missis- 
si[)[)i to the ocean, and the privilege of landing and depositing cargoes 
at New Orleans. 

In 1796, Tennessee was admitted to the Union. 1796 

The treaties of the last year met with no opposition in —- 

congress. The conduct of France still continued to be a source of 
disquiet to the American Republic. Mr. Fauchet, ardently attached 
to his nation, and believing himself supported by a numerous party in 
America, gradually assumed an authoritative manner. He accused 
the administration of partiality to their former foeis, enmity to their 
friends, and cold indifference to the cause of liberty. Mr. Morris, who 
had been sent minister to France, failing to secure the confidence of 
those in power, was, at their request, recalled, in 1794. Monroe sent 
Mr. Monroe succeeded him. This gentleman possessed to France, 
the ardour for liberty and the rights of man, common to 
the republican party; and, with them, hoped that the French revolu¬ 
tion would eventually lead to the establishment of a free government^ 






296 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1795 


m the room of the ancient despotism of that country. He was received 
in the most flattering manner by the convention, who decreed that the 
flags of the two republics, entwined, should be suspended in the legis¬ 
lative hail, as a symbol of their friendship and union. 

Mr. Adet soon after succeeded Mr. Fauchet, and brought with him 
the colours of France, which, with much ceremony, were deposited 
with those archives of the United States, which are at once the memorials 
of their freedom and independence, and an honourable testimony of 
the existing sympathies and affections of the sister republics. 

Notwithstanding the professions of friendship between 
ings 0^ FranS^ governments, France still wished to involve America 

—- in her *European wars ; but finding her maintaining a 

steady system of neutrality, she adopted measures highly injurious to 
American commerce. Her cruisers were allowed, in certain cases, to 
capture vessels of the United States ; and while prosecuting a lawful 
trade, many hundreds were taken and confiscated. 

Mr Monroe re time, was suspected, by the presi- 

called, and Mr. dent, of not asserting and vindicating the rights of the 
ou?"^^ nation with proper energy. These suspicions were attri- 

buted, by the republican party, to the false'insinuations of 
his political opponents. Washington, however, recalled him, and ap- 
pointed Charles C. Pinkney, of South Carolina, in his stead. 

As the period for a new election of the president of the United States 
approached, Gen. Washington publicly signified his determination to 
retire to the shades of private life. On this occasion he received ad¬ 
dresses from various quarters of the Union, which, while they deplored 
ihe loss of his great public services, contained many subjects of con¬ 
gratulation. He was reminded that during the short period of his ad¬ 
ministration, the property of the country had increased 
In regard to foreign affairs, he had 
witnessed the peaceful termination of all disputes with 
other nations, excepting France ; while with respect to domestic, he 
had beheld the restoration of public credit, and provision of ample se¬ 
curity for the ultimate payment of the public debt. The prosperity of 
American commerce had exceeded the most sanguine expectations, 
tonnage having nearly doubled ; the productions of the soil had found 
a ready market; thd exports had increased from nineteen millions to 
more than fifty-six millions of dollarsthe imports in about the same 
proportion; and the amount of revenue, from import duties, had ex¬ 
ceeded all calculation. ' • 

Washington’s In 1796, the father of his country published his fare- 
address to the people of America. In the most 


Frosporoiis state 
of the country, beyond example 


— earnest and affectionate manner he called upon them to 
cherish an immoveable attachment to the national union, to watch for 






1796 .] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


297 


its preservation with jealous anxiety, to discountenance even the sug¬ 
gestion that it could, in any event, be abandoned; and “ indignantly 
frown upon the first dawnings of an attempt to alienate any portion of 
our country from the rest.” Overgrown military establishments he 
represented as particularly hostile to republican liberty. While he re¬ 
commended the most implicit obedience to the acts of the established 
government, and reprobated all obstructions to the execution of the 
laws, all combinations and associations, under whatsoever plausible 
character, with the real design to direct, to control, counteract, or awe 
the general deliberations and actions of the constituted authorities;— 
he wished also to guard against the spirit of innovation upon the prin¬ 
ciples of the constitution. Aware that the energy of the system might 
be enfeebled by alterations, he thought no change should be made 
without an evident necessity; and that in so extensive a country, as 
much vigour as is consistent with liberty, is indispensable. On the 
other hand, he pointed out the dangers of real despotism, by breaking 
down the partitions between the several departments of government, 
by destroying the reciprocal checks, and consolidating the different 
powers. Against the spirit of party, so particularly baneful in an elec¬ 
tive government, he uttered his solemn remonstrances as well as against 
inveterate antipathies, or passionate attachments, in respect to foreign 
nations. While he thought that the jealousy of a free people ought to 
be constantly awake, against the insidious wiles of foreign influence, he 
wished that good faith and equal justice should be observed towards all 
nations, and peace and harmony cultivated. In his opinion, honesty, 
no less in public than in private affairs, is the best policy. Other sub¬ 
jects, to which he alluded, were the importance of credit, of economy, 
of a reduction of the public debt, and of literary institutions ; above all, 
he recommended religion and morality as indispensably necessary to 
political prosperity. “ In vain,” says he, “ would that man claim the 
tribute of patriotism, who would labour to subvert these great pilllars 
of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and 
citizens.”* 


* See Appendix. 


S8 


29g 


HISTORY OF THE 


[ 1797 . 


SECTION IV. 

To fill the station which Washington had so eminently dignified, the 
two great political parties presented their leaders. The federalists, 
claiming to be the sole adherents of the policy of Washington, and 
charging the opposite party with being under French influence, and 
having inbibed French principles, zealously endeavoured to elect John 
Adams. The republicans, setting themselves up as the exclusive 
friends of liberty, and accusing their opponents with undue attachment 
to Britain and its institutions, exerted their influence for Jefferson. 

In February, 1797, the votes for president and vice 
Mr Adams elec- P^'^sident were opened. Mr. Adams had the majority 
ted president. of suffrages for president, and Mr. Jefferson for vice 
president, for the four succeeding years. 

Congress appre- Immediately on succeeding to the presidency, Mr. 
France. Adams received intelligence of an open indignity on the 

- part of the French directors towards the United States. 

They had refused to accept Mr. Pinkney in exchange for Mr. Monroe, 
and declared their determination not to receive another minister, until 
the United States had complied with their demands. Mr. Pinkney fur¬ 
ther communicated to the president, that he had received a written 
mandate, directing him to quit France. Congress was immediately 
convened, and the despatches containing this intelligence, submitted to 
their consideration. They passed laws increasing the navy, augment¬ 
ing the revenue, and authorizing the president to detach, at his discre¬ 
tion, eighty thousand men from the militia. To prevent war, however, 
and manifest his sincere desire of peace, Mr. Adams appointed three 
envoys extraordinary to the French republic, Gen. Pinkney, then at 
Amsterdam, whither he had retired on leaving France, Mr. Marshall, 
and Mr. Gerry. These, also, the directory refused to receive ; but an 
indirect intercourse was held with them, through the medium of unof¬ 
ficial persons, who were instructed by Mr. Talleyrand, the minister of 
foreign relations, to make them proposals. These persons demanded, 
before any negotiation could be opened with the directory, that a con¬ 
siderable amount of money should be given to Talleyrand. This in¬ 
sulting proposal was indignantly rejected. It was, however, repeated, 
X Y & z mis- letters were received upon the subject, signed 

_ X Y & Z. Hence this has been called the X Y & Z 

mission. The envoys at length succeeded in putting an 
end to such a degrading intercourse. After spending several months 
at Paris, Mr. Marshall and Mr. Pinkney were ordered to leave France, 
while Mr. Gerry was permitted to remain, and repeatedly importuned 





1798.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


299 


singly to enter into a negotiation. This he declined, and was soon af¬ 
ter recalled by his government. This* treatment of the envoys induced 
Mr. Adams to declare, “ that he would make no further overtures, until 
assured that his envoys would be received in a manner suited to the 
dignity of a great and independent nation.” 

These events were followed by such depredations, committed by the 
citizens of France on American commerce, as excited general indig¬ 
nation throughout the United States. Civil discord appeared extinct; 
and this was the general motto ;—“ Millions for defence, not a cent for 
tribute.” The treaty of alliance with France was considered by con¬ 
gress as no longer in force ; and further measures were adopted by con¬ 
gress, for retaliation and defence. A regular provisional army was es¬ 
tablished, taxes were raised, and additional internal duties laid. Gen. 
Washington, at the call of congress, left his peaceful abode, to com¬ 
mand the armies of the United States, while Gen. Hamilton was made 
second in command. The navy was increased, and re¬ 
prisals were made on the water. At sea, the French 
frigate L’Insurgente, of forty guns, was captured, after a 
desperate action, by the frigate Constellation, of thirty- 
eight guns, commanded by Com. Truxton. The same 
officer compelled another frigate of fifty guns to strike her colours ; but 
she afterwards escaped in the night. 

On hearing of these vigorous preparations, the French government 
indirectly made overtures for a renewal of the negotiations. Mr. 
Adams promptly jnet these overtures, and appointed Oliver Ellsworth, 
chief justice of the United States, Patrick Henry, late governor of Vir¬ 
ginia, and William Van Murray, minister at the Hague, envoys to 
Paris, for concluding an honourable peace. They found the directory 
overthrown, and the government in the hands of Napoleon Buonaparte, 
who had not partaken of the transactions which had em¬ 
broiled the two countries. With him negotiations were 
opened, which terminated in an amicable adjustment of 
all disputes, by a treaty, concluded at Paris, on the 30th 
of September. The provisional army was soon after 
disbanded by order of congress. 

America was now called to mourn for the death of 
Washington. He calmly and peacefully expired at 
Mount Vernon, after an illness of twenty-four hours. 

The newspaper, in its blackened columns announced to 
the people, the Father of his Country is no more!” The bells of the 
nation tolled forth his requiem, and one general burst of grief broke 
from the filial hearts of the American people. Clad in black, they as¬ 
sembled in their churches, to hear his funeral praises from the orator, 
and from the minister of God. The poet wrote his elegy, and the choir 


1800. 
Sept. 30. 

Treaty with 
F ranee. 


1799- 

Death of WaMi- 
ington. 


1798. 
Feb. 10. 

The French fri¬ 
gate L’lnsur- 
gente captured. 





HISTORY OF THE 


[1799. 


doa 

sung the solemn and pathetic dirge. The government mourned, as 
was becoming, with more of the parade of grief, but with an equal share 
of its sincerity. The senate addressed a letter to the president, ex- 
pressing, in dignified but pathetic language, their deep sense of the 
magnitude of their common loss, and of the resignation with which it 
became them to bow before the bereaving stroke of “ Him who maketh 
darkness his pavilion.” The house of representatives resolved that the 
speaker’s chair should be shrouded in black; that the members should 
be clad in the vestments of sorrow, and that a joint committee of both 
houses should be appointed, to devise the most proper manner of pay¬ 
ing honour to the memory of “ the man first in war, first in peace, and 
first in the hearts of his countrymen.” The committee reported a plan 
of funeral honours, by which Washington was mourned by the whole 
government, with a solemn and august pageantry. 

Washington died on the 14th of December, 1799, in the sixty-eighth 
year of his age. His history is the history of his country, during the 
period of his public services. Commanding her armies, and presiding 
in her councils, during the most interesting period of her existence, 
her history can never be delineated, but be must stand the most promi¬ 
nent figure on the foreground. What may be said of many of the 
worthies of the revolution, may be eminently said of him. In no in¬ 
stance has he rendered his country a more important service, than in 
leaving to her future sons his great and good example. 

Other heroes have been praised for their love of glory. The true, 
distinguishing praise of Washington is, that he was^above the love of 
glory. In no instance, did he rashly adventure the cause confided to 
his care, lest he should suffer in his personal reputation. To assert 
that, in no case, did he commit an inadvertent error, or manifest the 
most trifling frailty, would be giving him that praise which belongs not 
to man ; but, judging from the general tenor of his conduct, we shall be 
justified in pronouncing, that his was the soul which was above all 
other approbation, and all other fear, but that of God. 

His mortal remains repose at Mount Vernon, near the scene of his 
domestic enjoyments. To that spot will every true son of America, in 
all future ages, be attracted, in mournful, filial pilgrimage ; and thither, 
from every clime, will the votary of the rights of man repair, to renew 
his vow of devotion, and to draw fresh inspiration in the sacred cause. 


1800.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


301 


SECTION V. 


During the year 1800, the seat of government, agree¬ 
ably to the law, passed by congress, in 1790, was trans¬ 
ferred from Philadelphia to the city of Washington. A 
territory, ten miles square, in which the permanent seat 
of government was located, had been ceded to the gene- 


1800. 

Seat of govern¬ 
ment is transfer¬ 
red to Washing¬ 
ton. 


ral government, by the states of Virginia and Maryland; and received 
the name of “District of Columbia.” It was situated on both sides 
of the Potomac, a few miles from Mount Vernon. Public buildings 
had been erected ; and, in November of this year, congress, for the first 
time, held their session in that place. 

Mississippi territory was, this year, formed into a dis- Mississippi 

trict government, and a part of the Northwest Territory and Indi a na ._ 

erected into a separate government, called “ Indiana Territory.” 

The time had now arrived for electing a president. It was about 
this period, that the feuds and animosities of^ie federal and republican 
parties were at their greatest height. When Mr. Adams was first made 
the opposing candidate to Mr. Jefferson, he was, by no of Mj. 

means, obnoxious to the great body of the republican Adams’s admi- 

party, who voted against him. They recognised in him -^- 

a patriot of the revolution, and they liked him well, although they liked 
Mr. Jefferson better. It was Mr. Hamilton, not Mr. Adams, who was 
the chief object of party aversion ; and although a clamour was raised, 
to serve party purposes, accusiug Mr. Adams of being too much in 
favour of the British form of government, yet the real cause of dissatis¬ 
faction was, that he was supported by those, who, they were persuaded, 
had monarchical views. After the lapse of four years, when Mr. Adams 
was again to be a candidate for the presidency, he was opposed with 
far more bitterness. 

In some of his measures he had been unfortunate, and the vigilant 
spirit of party was awake, to make the most of the real, or supposed 
errors of the nominal head of their opponents. In the early part of 
his administration, the acts, by which the army and navy were strength¬ 
ened, and eighty thousand of the militia subjected to his order, were 
represented, by the republicans, as proofs that, however he might have 
been a friend to the constitution of his country, he now either wished 
to subvert it, or was led blindfold into the views of those who did. The 
republicans scrupled the policy of a war with France, and denied the 
necessity, even in case of such a war, of a great land force against an 
enemy, totally unassailable, except by water. They believed that 





302 


HISTORY OF THE 


[ 1800 . 


spirits were at work to produce this war, or to make the most of the 
prospect of a disturbance, in order to lull the people, while they raised 
an army, which they intended as the instrument of subverting the re¬ 
publican, and establishing a monarchical government. 

The president was stung by the clamours of the opposition, who im¬ 
puted to him intentions which he never had. Attributing the evil to 
French emissaries, and moreover ascribing to too much liberty, the 
horrible excesses of the French revolution, he gave his signature to 
two acts, which were considered by the body of the people as danger¬ 
ous to, if not subversive of the constitutional liberty of 
aUmiTawT^ America. One of these, called the Alien Law, authori- 

- zed the president to order any alien, whom he should 

judge dangerous to the peace and liberty of the country, to depart from 
the United States, on pain of imprisonment. The other, called the 
Sedition Law, had, for its avowed object, to punish the abuse of speech, 
and of the press; and imposed a heavy fine, and imprisonment for 
years, upon such as should “ combine, or conspire together to oppose 
any measure of the governmentand upon such as should “ write, 
print, utter, publish, &;c. any false, scandalous, and malicious writing 
against the government^f the United States, or either house of the 
congress of the United States, or the president, &c.” Under the sedi¬ 
tion law, several persons were actually imprisoned. The sympathies 
of the people were awakened in their behalf, and their indignation was 
aroused against those, by whose means they were confined. These 
were the principal causes why Mr. Adams was, at this period, unpopu¬ 
lar, and that the federal party, as appeared by the election, had become 
the minority. 

Immediately preceding his retirement from office, Mr. Adams ap¬ 
pointed, in pursuance of a law made by congress, twelve new judges. 
These were called his midnight judiciary, from the alleged fact that they 
were appointed at twelve o’clock on the last night of his presidential 
authority. 

From the constitution, as it existed at that period, each elector voted 
for two men, without designating which was to be president; and he 
who was found to have the greatest number of votes, was to be presi¬ 
dent ; and the second on the list, vice president. An unlooked for case 
now occurred. The republican electors, who had a 
very considerable majority over the federal, gave their 
votes, to a man, for Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr; 
intending, that Jefferson, the leader of the party, should 
be president, and Burr, vice president. These two men 
had an equal number of votes; the election must, according to the 
constitution, be decided by the house of representatives. The federal 
party, having been defeated themselves, considered that they might 


1801 . 

Mr. Jefferson & 
Mr. Burr receive 
an equal number 
of votes. 




0 


1801.] REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 303 

still defeat their opponents; and probably, believing that they might 
find a grateful friend in Col. Burr, while they knew that they had 
nothing to expect from Mr. Jefferson, they determined, if possible, to 
raise him to the presidential chair. On counting the votes in the house 
of representatives, another singular event occurred ; Mr. Jefferson and 
Mr. Burr had an equal number of votes. Again and again the voting 
went round, and the votes remained the same: until the time had 
nearly arrived when, by the constitution, the president must be elected, 
or otherwise, the machine of government would be run down; and the 
constitution contained no machinery by which it could be wound up. 
At length, after the members had voted thirty-five times, it was found 
on the thirty-sixth balloting, that Mr. Jefferson had a majority of one 
state. 

This transaction must go down to posterity as a dark passage in the 
American history. Whether or not the republicans would have con- 
linued to vote until the constitution was destroyed, rather than yield to 
their opponents a short lived triumph, and take for four years as presi- 
dent, the man themselves had selected as vice president, can never be 
known; but if such had been the fact, posterity would have had cause 
to execrate their memories. Had such a catastrophe ensued, still less 
would America have had occasion of gratitude to the other party. The 
republicans might allege, that they voted in obedience to the will of 
the people; but no one pretended, that any freeman, in voting for an 
elector, or any elector in voting for Mr. Burr, expected or wished that 
^ he should be president. 

On the 4th of March, 1801, Mr. Jefferson was inau- ^ ^ 

gurated. On his accession to office, he departed from inauguration of 
the example of his predecessors, and, instead of a speech, Mr. Jefferson, 
delivered to the two houses of congress in person, he 
sent to them a written message, which was first read by the senate 
and then transmitted to the house of representatives. The practice 
has been followed and sanctioned by his successors. The message of 
Mr. Jefferson was worthy of the writer of the declaration of indepen¬ 
dence. It will be preserved among the most precious relics of the 
wisdom of our fathers; and, like the farewell address of Washington, 
will serve, according as the future course of America may be, for a 
light to guide her in the way to happiness and glory, or to discover the 
shame of her degradation. 

The principal offices of the government were now transferred to the 
republican party. Mr, Madison was appointed to the department 
of state. ^ 

A bill was passed by congress, in accordance with the recommenda- 
tion of the president, reorganizing the judiciary department, by means 
of which the twelve judges, appointed during the last days of Mr. 



HISTORY OF THE 


i}04 


[1802. 


Second census. 


Exports and re¬ 
venue. 


Adams’ administration, were deprived of their offices. Another bill 
was passed, enlarging the rights of naturalization. 

A second census of the United States was also com¬ 
pleted ; giving a population of 5,319,762, an increase 
of one million four hundred thousand in ten years. In 
the same time, the exports increased from nineteen to 
~ ninety.four millions, and the revenue, from 4,771,000 

to 12,945,000 dollars. This rapid advance in the career of prosperity, 
is unparalleled in the history of nations; and it is to be attributed to 
the industrious and enterprising habits of the people, and their excel¬ 
lent laws and political institutions. 

During this year, congress declared war against Tripoli. 

In 1802, Ohio was admitted as an independent state 
Ohio admitted Union. The territory of this state was origi- 

to the Union. nally claimed by Virginia and Connecticut, and was 
ceded by them to the United States, at different times, 
after the year 1781. From this extensive and fertile tract of country 
slavery was entirely excluded. 

Difficulties with In 1802, the port of New Orleans was closed against 
vernnfenT^*^ United States. The king of Spain having ceded 

- Louisiana to the French, the Spanish intendant was 

commanded to make arrangements to deliver the country to the 
French commissioners. In consequence of this order, the intendant 
announced that the citizens of the United States could no longer be 
permitted to deposit their merchandise and effects in the port of New 9 
Orleans. By this prohibition, the western states were in danger of 
suffering the ruin of their commerce, and great agitation was excited 
in the public mind. In congress, a proposition was made to take the 
whole country by force ; but reposing just confidence in the good faith 
of the government whose officers had committed the wrong, that body 
caused friendly and reasonable representations of the grievances sus¬ 
tained, to be made to the court of Spain, and the right of deposit was 
restored. 

Aware of the danger to which the United States would be perpetually 
exposed, while Louisiana remained in the possession of a foreign 
power, propositions had been made for procuring it by purchase. This 
1 was a subject of much discussion and feeling. But, by a 

Louisiana pur- Concluded at Paris, in 1803, Louisiana, comprising 

chased. all that immense region of countiy, extending from the 

Mississippi to the Pacific ocean, was acquired by the 
United States, as well as the free and exclusive navigation of the river. 
The sum of fifteen millions of dollars was the price of those newly ac¬ 
quired rights. The minority were opposed to a ratification of the 
treaty, contending, that the sum was exorbitantly large, and that the 







1803.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


305 


navigation of the river could have been secured without such heavy 
pecuniary sacrifices. Mr. Jefferson, and the majority of congress 
viewed the subject in a very different light. They considered, that, 
compared with the importance of the object attained, the purchase 
money was trifling ; that the prosperity of all the western states was 
dependent on the free and uninterrupted navigation of the waters of the 
Mississippi, and a safe depot at New Orleans ; that by this treaty our 
western frontier would be protected and preserved from collisions with 
a foreign power, and that such was the happy organization of the Ame¬ 
rican government, that it was fully adequate for the security and pro¬ 
tection of its territories, however extensive they might be. " 

LOCATION OF INDIAN TRIBES. 

Of the many Indian tribes mentioned in the introductory chapter as 
having been found inhabiting the eastern coast of America, most have 
been exterminated, or driven westward. The following sketch, chiefly 
taken from Dr. Morse’s Indian Report, made in 1820-21,* contains a 
brief account of those which remain, with their locations. 

Maine .—The St. John’s Indians are mingled with about two hundred 
French families, twenty-live miles west of the dividing line between 
Maine and New Brunswick. The Passamaquoddies have a small por¬ 
tion of excellent land on Schodic river, five miles north of Eastport, 
and are between three and four hundred in number. The Penobscots 
are on Penobscot river, 12 miles above Bangor. 

Massachusetts .—The Indians remaining in Massachusetts, reside at 
Marshpee, Sandwich, Troy, and Martha’s Vineyard, from 50 to 100 
miles southeast from Boston, and number between 7 and 800. 

Rhode Island .—The Narragansetts, about 400 in number, are about 
40 miles southwest of Providence. A part of this tribe emigrated, 
some years ago, to Oneida, and Brotherton, N. Y. 

Connecticut .—The Mohegans now possess a reservation on Thames 
river, between New London and Norwich. A part of this nation also 
removed to Brotherton. There are a few families of Indians at Gro¬ 
ton and Stonington. 

New-YorJc, S^c .—The formidable confederacy of the Six Nations is 
now almost destroyed. The Mohawks removed to Canada in 1776. 
About fifty of them remain in the United States, and are settled on San¬ 
dusky river, Ohio. The Cayugas followed the Mohawks, and have now 
no distinct reservation in the United States. About forty of them are 
mingled with the Senecas. The Senecas and Onondagas have reser¬ 
vations on Alleghany river; the Senecas, with a few Delawares, at 
Cattaragus and Tonnewanta; Cayugas and Onondagas at Buffaloe ; 

* Let it be reineinl>ered, that this account, in some instances, goes forward in point of time, 
of that portion of the History of the American Republic, which is in this work, to follow.. 

39 


306 


HISTORY OF THE 


Senecas, and a few other tribes on Gennessee river. A few Senecas 
reside on Sandusky river, Ohio. 

The Stockbridge Indians removed to the state of iNew-York, and 
with the Mohegans and Narragahsett, or Brotherton Indians, have been 
adopted into the confederacy of the Six Nations, and reside on lands 
originally belonging to the Oneidas, near the head of Oneida lake. 

In 1821, the Six Nations purchased a tract of land, 20 by 40 miles, 
on Fox river. 

In 1818, the Delawares ceded all their lands in Indiana to the United 
States. A part of them removed to White river, Arkansaw, and the 
remainder will probably unite with the Six Nations in their new settle¬ 
ment. A small number of them have resided in Ohio, on a branch of 
the Sandusky, between fifty and sixty years. 

The first settlement of the Wyandots within the territory of the United 
States, was at Detroit, from whence they removed and settled near 
Mackinaw. Engaging in war with the Indians in that vicinity, they 
divided themselves; one party going north, but the most numerous re¬ 
turning to Detroit, and thence extending around the southern shore of 
lake Erie as far as Sandusky bay, where a few scattered and feeble 
settlements now remain. 

The principal settlements of the Ottawas are in eleven villages on 
the east side of lake Michigan. They have also reservations along 
the Au Glaize and Miami rivers, in Ohio. 

The Shawnees, or Shawanese, have resided in Ohio about sixty-five 
years. Their reservations are near the head waters of the Great 
Miama and Au Glaize rivers. A part of the tribe have removed west 
of the Mississippi, and reside near St. Louis and Cape Girardeau. 

The Cherokees, Creeks, Choctaws, and Chickasaws, retain the for¬ 
mer situations, but with less extended limits. Within a few ’years they 
have exchanged large portions of their ancient territories for lands 
west of the Mississippi. Large bodies of these nations have emigrated 
thither, and are now establishing themselves in that section of the 
country. 

r The Seminoles reside in Florida, and have been located by the go¬ 
vernment of the United States, near and about Espiritu Santo, or Hills¬ 
borough bay. 

Louisiana, at the time it was purchased by the United States, was 
principally inhabited by Indians. To have introduced accounts of these, 
in the introductory chapter, would have occasioned confusion, as these 
more western tribes had no connection with the early history of Ame¬ 
rica, and have been chiefly formed from the fragments of other nations. 
As our acquaintance with the great extent of country, west of the lakes 
and tne Mississippi, increases, it is considered important that more 
should be known of the Indian tribes who inhabit it; and as their names 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


m 

will occur in the history of the war with England in 1812, it seems 
proper to introduce here some account of them. 

The Sioux, or Naudowessies, are the most powerful Indian nation of 
North America. They inhabit the country between the Mississippi 
and Missouri rivers, from latitude 46°, to their junction in latitude 39° ; 
also, south of the Missouri, and east of the Mississippi, to the territories 
of the Chippeways, Winnebagoes, and Menominees. This nation con¬ 
sists of seven independent bands, united in a confederacy, for the pro¬ 
tection of their territories. In the immense extent of country, occu- 
pied by the Sioux, are a few bands of Fox, Sacs, and Kickapoo Indians. 

The Chippeways are another powerful nation, and have long main¬ 
tained a war with the Sioux. They are scattered from Detroit to the 
sources of the Mississippi, though they have not, in any considerable 
number, permanently located themselves. 

The Pottawattamies are supposed to have emigrated from the north 
uf the lakes to their present location, which is in villages, extending 
from Chicago, along the southern shore of lake Michigan, and in the 
northern part of Indiana. The Pottawattamies speak the same lan¬ 
guage witii die Ottawas and Chippeways, and are similar in their man¬ 
ners and customs. These three nations are united by compact, and 
call the Delawares their grandfather. 

Ttie Fox Indians are settled on both sides of the Mississippi, between 
the Ouisconsin and Rock rivers; their principal village is about se¬ 
venty-five miles below Prairie du Chien. The Fox Indians have a 
tradition, that they came from near Kingston, Upper Canada ; from 
whence they were driven to Michillimackinack, and to the bank of 
the river which bears their name. Here they were defeated by the 
French and Menominees, and driven to the Mississippi. ' ' 

The Sacs, or Sanks, were originally the same nation as the Fox In¬ 
dians. They separated from them about a century since, but are now 
mingled with them in the same territory, and reside with them in a 
large village, near the foot of Rock Island. ' 

The Kickapoos formerly inhabited the centre of Illinois. But they 
liave ced^d their lands to the United States, and are about to remove 
beyond tbe Mississippi, on lands west of the Great and Little Usages. 
The Fox Indians, the,Sanks, and Kickapoos are similar in their lan¬ 
guage, manners, and customs. 

The Winnebagoes appear to be of a difierent race from the neigh¬ 
bouring tribes. They possess thb country, from the entrance of the 
lake which bears their name, extending southwest through the Rock 
river country to the Mississippi. 

The Meno3iinees live in ten villages, north of Winnebago lake and 
Fox river, and west of Green bay, as far as the Menominee river on 


808 


HISTORY OF THE 


the northeast. A few are scattered on the west shore of lake Michi- 
gan and on the Mississippi. 

The adjoining territories, on the west, are possessed by the Menomi- 
nees, in common with the Sioux, Chippeways, Winnebagoes, and Sacs. 
The Miamies, at the commencement of the last century, lived at the 
foot of lake Michigan. They have moved farther south ; and their set- 
tlements are now near the sources of the river Wabash, one of the 
forks of that river; the other, at Mississineway. 

The Peorias, Kaskaskias, and Cahokias are said to speak the Miami 
language, and are supposed to be branches of that nation. They once 
inhabited the greater part of Indiana and Illinois; but only a few of 
them remain, as they have ceded their lands to the United States, and 
removed west of the Mississippi. They were, however, mostly de¬ 
stroyed in a war with the Sanks and Foxes. 

Within the territory between the Missouri on the north, the Red River 
on the south, the Mississippi on the east, and the Rocky Mountains 
on the west, many of the tribes, who resided east of the Mississippi, 
have planted, or are planting themselves. Of the Indian tribes within 
these limits, with whom the United States have intercourse, the Pawnees, 
are the most powerful. This tribe is divided into three bands ; the 
Grand Pawnees, the Pawnee Republics, and Pawnee Loups, all resid¬ 
ing on La Platte river and its branches. 

The Great Osages live on Osage river, and on the Necozho, or 
Grand river, a branch of the Arkansaw. 

The Little Osages live on the Necozho river, and hunt in common 
with the Great Osages, sometimes on the head waters of the Kansas. 
The O’Mahas are on Elkhorn river, eighty miles northwest of Council 
Bluffs. 

The Kansas reside about three hundred miles up the Kansas river, 
in one village. They hunt through all the country watered by this 
river. 

The Ioways are a divided tribe. About half of them have joined 
the Ottoes and Missouries, who live in one village, on the southeast 
side of La Platte river. The other part of the tribe remains in two 
villages, on the Des Moines and loway rivers. * 

The Quapaws, in 1818, ceded to the United States, 30,690,560 acres 
of land between the Arkansaw and Red Rivers. Their present coun¬ 
try extends from the Arkansaw to Washita river, between Arkansaw 
and Little Rockiv 


1803.] REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. ' 309 

Geographical riotices of the country at the Ninth Epocha^ or in 1803 


Population. 


Maine,.150,896 

New Hampshire,.183,858 

Vermont,. 154,397. 

Massachusetts,.422,630 

Rhode Island,. 69,122. 

Connecticut,.251,002. 

New-York,. 586,050. 

New Jersey,.211,149. 

Pennsylvania,. 602,545. 

Delaware,. 64,273. 

Ohio,. 76,000. 


Indiana Territory had now become settled, and the number of its in- 

bitants was,. 4,875. 

Michigan,. 3,206. 

Maryland,.349,692. 

Virginia,.534,396 whites, and 345,796 blacks 

Kentucky,.220,959 “ 138,296 “ 

Tennessee,.92,018 “ 13,584 « 

South Carolina, ... .345,591 “ 59,699 “ 

Mississippi Territor}^ 8,850. 

Louisiana,. 42,375. 


Washingtonj in the District of Columbia, now made the capital of 
the United States, contained but 4,354 inhabitants. For the principal 
towns, see geographies of the present day. 

Colleges. —Harvard, Yale, William and Mary’s, Columbia, Nassau 
Hall, Rhode Island College, the University of Pennsylvania, Washing. 
College in Chestertown, Maryland, Dickinson College, in Carlisle, (Pa.) 
St. John’s in Annapolis, (Md.) Cokesbury College, Franklin College 
in Lancaster, (Pa.) Roman Catholic College in Georgetown, Univer¬ 
sity of North Carolina, Burlington College, (Vt.) Williams College in 
Williamstown, (Mass.) Union College at Schenectady, Grenville Col- 
lege at Tennessee, Beaufort and Winnsborough Colleges in South Ca¬ 
rolina, Bowdoin College in the District of Maine, the Transylvania 
University at Lexington, (Ky.) and Middlebury College, (Vt.) 


Societies formed. 

1790. The Connecticut Society for the abolition of slavery. 
The Middlese.x Medical Society, (Mass.) 




















310 


HISTORY OF THE 


1791. The society for the promotion of Agriculture, Arts, and 

Sciences, at New-York. 

1792. The Massachusetts Agricultural Society. 

1793. The Marine Society of South Carolina. 

1794. The Massachusetts Historical Society, and the Boston Li¬ 

brary Society. 

A society for the promotion of Christian knowledge, at New- 
York. 

A Medical society in Vermont. 

1796. The New-York Missionary Society. 

1799. The East India Marine Society of Salem. 

The Missionary Society oj^assachusetts. 

The North Carolina Medical Society. 

1801. The Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences. * 

1802. The Massachusetts Baptist Missionary Society. 

1803. The Massachusetts Society for the promotion of Christian 

knowledge. 

Catalogue of eminent men who died during the period^ 
extending from 1789 to 1803. 

Ethan Allen, a brigadier-general in the American 
army. 

.loHN Ledyard, an enterprising traveller. 

John Morgan, M. D., F. R. S., a learned physician. 
Joseph Bellamy, D. D., a learned divine—author of 
a treatise, entitled “ True Religion Delineated.” 

James Bowdoin, L. L. D., a distinguished philosopher 
and statesman, and first president of the American Aca¬ 
demy of Arts and Sciences. 

David Brearly, distinguished as a lawyer and a 
statesman. 

Benjamin Franklin, L. L. D., F. R. S., a celebrated 
philosopher and statesman. 

William Livingston, author of a poem, called “ Phi¬ 
losophical Solitude,” “ Miscellaneous pieces, in prose 
and verse,” &c. 

Israel Putnam, a major-general in the American 
army. 

Lyman Hall, one of the signers of the declaration 
of independence. 

Francis Hopkinson, one of the signers of the decla¬ 
ration of independence. 


Year in which 
they died. 

1789 . 

1790 . 


1791 . 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


31J 


John Wesley, the great founder of Methodism. 

Henry Laurens, president of congress, and a distin- 
guished patriot. 

Arthur Lee, M. D., a distinguished statesman. 

John Paul Jones, a captain in the American navy. 

John Hancock, president of congress, and a distin¬ 
guished patriot. 

Roger Sherman, a distinguished patriot, and one of 
the signers of the declaration of independence. 

Richard Henry Lee, president of congress. 

Frederic William Steuben, major-general in the 
American revolution. 

John Witherspoon, D. D., L. L. D., one of the sign¬ 
ers of the declaration of independence, and president of 
Princeton College. 

John Sullivan, L. L. D., major-general of the Ame¬ 
rican army. 

JosiAH Bartlett, M. D., one of the signers of the 
declaration of independence. 

William Bradford, attorney-general of the United 
States. I 

Ezra Stiles, D. D., president of Yale College. 

Francis Marion, a distinguished officer of the revo¬ 
lution. 

Samuel Huntington, one of the signers of the decla¬ 
ration of independence. 

I AVID Rittenhouse, L. L. D., F. R. S., a distin¬ 
guished philosopher and astronomer. 

Anthony Wayne, major-general in the army of the 
United States. 

Samuel Seabury, bishop of Connecticut. 

Daniel Morgan, brigadier-general in the army of the 
United States. 

Oliver Wolcott, L. L. D., one of the signers of the 
declaration of independence. 

Francis Lightfoot Lee, one of the signers of the 
declaration of independence. 

Jeffrey Amherst, a celebrated English general. 

Jeremy Belknap, D. D., eminent as a divine and his¬ 
torian—author of a “ History of New Hampshire,” 
‘^American Biography,” &c. 

George Read one of the signers of the declaration 
of independence. 

Patrick Henry, a distinguished patriot and statesman. 


1791 . 

1792 . 

1793 . 

1794 . 


1795 . 


1796 . 


1797 . 


1798 . 


1YS9. 


312 


HISTORY OF THE 


1799. GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

1800. Thomas Mifflin, major-general in the army of the 
United States. 

Edward Rutledge, one of the signers of the decla¬ 
ration of independence. 

John Rutledge, a celebrated patriot, governor of 
South Carolina, and invested by that state with dictato¬ 
rial powers. 

Artemas Ward, first major-general in the American 
army. 

1801. Benedict Arnold, in the early part of his life, was 
distinguished for bravery, and was a major-general of 
the American army ; but afterwards deserted the cause 
of his country. 

Jonathan Edwards, president of Union College, 
Schenectady, N. Y. 

George Richards Minot, a historian of Massachu¬ 
setts—author of a “ Historj" of Massachusetts Bay.^’ 


1803. 


1803.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


318 


PART X. 

COMPRISES THE EVENTS WHICH OCCURRED FROM THE 


Purchase of j 

1 NINTH 

EPOCHA, 

TO THE 

1803, 

1 Louisiana:.. 

i 

The cession | 

TENTH 

EPOCHA, 

1819. 

1 of Florida. 




The History is continued till the year 1826, the 

FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE. 

c 

SECTION I. 


In the meantime, the semi-barbarous nations, which inhabit the south- 
ern shores of the Mediterranean, had commenced depredations on the 
American commerce. Tripoli, in particular, had intimated to the go¬ 
vernment, that the only method of securing their com- 'yy^rwithTri 
merce, was the payment of tribute. This led to a war poll, 
between Tripoli and the United States. 

In prosecution of this war, the United States had, during the year 
1801, sent out Com. Dale, with a squadron of two frigates and a sloop 
of war. By blockading the harbour of Tripoli, he prevented the pirat¬ 
ical cruisers from leaving it, and thus afforded protection to the Arne- 
rican commerce. 1 

Early in the year 1803, congress, bent on more effi¬ 
cient operations against the barbarian enemy, sent out 
Com. Preble, with a squadron of seven sail. In October, 
one of his ships, the frigate Philadelphia, Capt. Bain- 
bridge, was sent into the harbour of Tripoli, to reconnoitre ; and while 
in pursuit of a small vessel, he unfortunately proceeded so far, that the 
Philadelphia was grounded, and fell into the hands of the enemy. The 
officers were considered as prisoners, and the crew treated as slaves, 

40 


1803. 

FrigatePhiladel-' 
phia captured. 




914 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1804. 


1804. 

Decatur recap¬ 
tures and burns 
the Philadel¬ 
phia- 


As soon as the news of the capture of the Philadelphia 
reached the squadron, Stephen Decatur, who held a lieu¬ 
tenancy, under Com. Preble, conceived the design of re¬ 
capturing, or destroying it. Having obtained the con- 
' sent of the commodore, he armed a small ketch, the In¬ 

trepid, and sailed from Syracuse, February, 1804, with seventy-six men. 
He entered the harbour of Tripoli undiscovered, and advancing boldly, 
took a station alongside of the frigate, which was moored within gunshot 
of the bashaw’s castle, and of the principal battery. Two of the enemy’s 
cruisers lay within two cables’ length, and all the guns of the frigate 
were mounted and loaded. Decatur sprang on board, and his intrepid 
crew rushed, sword in hand, upon the astonished and terrified Tripoli¬ 
tans ; killed and drove them into the sea, and were soon masters of 
the frigate. The situation of Decatur and his crew became perilous 
from the artillery of the battery, which now began to be poured in upon 
them. The corsairs in the harbour were approaching, and they had 
no time to lose, in making their escape. They set fire to the Philadel¬ 
phia, left her, and were soon out of the reach of their pursuers, having 
accomplished this daring enterprise, without the loss of a single man. 

In the month of August, Com. Preble went three times 
into the harbour of Tripoli, and opened the broadsides of 
his fleet, upon the shipping and the batteries of the city. 
Although the Americans conducted with great gallantry, 
and destroyed some of the Tripolitan shipping, yet they 
failed of making any material impression upon the fortifications. 
Meantime, the barbarians treated the American prisoners with every 
degree of indignity and cruelty. Capt. Bainbridge, who, with his crew% 
had remained in captivity since the capture of the Philadelphia, vainly 
endeavoured to obtain some mitigation of their suflerines. Their coun¬ 
try deeply comrnisserated their distresses, and congress was ready to 
listen to any proposition which afforded a reasonable prospect of their 
relief. 

In 1803, Capt. William Eaton, on his return from Tunis, where he 
had been consul, recommended to the government, his joint operation 
with an elder and expelled brother of the reigning bashaw of Tripoli. 
Permission was given him to undertake the enterprise, and such sup¬ 
plies granted as could bo afforded, and the co-operation of the fleet re¬ 
commended. In 1804, Eaton was appointed navy agent of the United 
States, for the Barbary powers. After reaching Malta, 
he left the American fleet, and proceeded to Cairo and 
Alexandria, where he formed a convention with Hamet, 
who hoped, by attacking the usurper in his dominions, 

to regain his throne. For this purpose, an army was to -- 

be raised in Egypt, where Hamet had been kindly received, and pre- 


Com- Preble at¬ 
tempts to de¬ 
stroy the fortifi¬ 
cations of Tri¬ 
poli. 


1805. 

The Americans, 
under Eaton, aid 
the expelled ba¬ 
shaw of Tripoli. 





1806.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


815 


sented with a military command by the Mamaluke Bey. Early in 
1805, Eaton was appointed general of Hamet’s forces. From Egypt, 
he marched with a few hundred troops, principally Arabs, across a de¬ 
sert, one thousand miles in extent, to Derne, a Tripolitan city, on the 
Mediterranean. In this harbour he found a part of the American fleet, 
which was destined to assist him. He learned, also, that the usurper, 
with a considerable force, was within a few days’ marcli of the city. 
The next morning, he summoned the governor of Derne to surrender, 
who returned for answer, “ My head or yours.” He then commenced 
an assault upon the city, and, after a contest of two hours and a half, 
took possession. Gen. Eaton was wounded, and his army suffered se¬ 
verely, but immediate exertions were, notwithstanding, made to fortify 
the city. On the 8th of May it was attacked by the Tripolitan army. 
Although the assailants were ten times more numerous than Eaton’s 
band, yet, after persisting four hours in the attempt, they were com¬ 
pelled to retire. On the 10th of June, another battle was fought, in 
which Eaton was again victorious. The next day, the American fri¬ 
gate Constitution arrived iii the harbour, and the terrified Tripolitans 
fled precipitately to the desert. While the impression resulting from 
the bravery displayed at Derne operated at Tripoli, and an attack upon 
that city was daily expected from the United States’ squadron. Colonel 
Lear, the consul at Tripoli, thought it the best moment to listen to the 
terms of peace offered by the bashaw. He did so, and j ^ 
it was stipulated, that a mutual delivery of prisoners 
should take place, among whom were Capt. Bainbridge, poH- 
with the officers and crew of the Philadelphia; and, as 
the bashaw had a balance of more than 200 prisoners in his favour, 
he was to receive sixty thousand dollars. It was also understood, that 
all support from Hamet was to be withdrawn, and hostilities were to 
cease. It was, however, stipulated, that on Hamet’s retiring from 
the territory, his wife and children, then in the power of the reigning 
bashaw, should be given up to him. Thus ended the war in the Me¬ 
diterranean. 

In July, 1804, occurred the death of Gen. Alexander 1804 
Hamilton. He died in a duel fought with Aaron Burr, Hamilton killed 
vice president of the United States. Col. Burr had ad- 

dressed a letter to Gen. Hamilton, requiring his denial-—-- 

or acknowledgment of certain offensive expressions contained in a pub¬ 
lic journal. Hamilton declining to give either, Col. Burr sent him 
a challenge. They met, and Hamilton fell at the first fire. His death 
caused a deep sensation throughout the union. The city of New-York 
paid extraordinary honours to his remains. Gen. Hamilton was so 
much the idol of one of the great political parties, and the aversion ot 
the other, and in sue!) opposite terms is his political character deline- 




319 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1805. 


ated, by the writings and men of his time, that impartial history scarcely 
dares, as yet, to pronounce the estimate of his merits as a politician. 
As a man of great talents, of powerful eloquence, as a scholar, and as 
a gentleman, Hamilton stood pre-eminent. 

In the meantime, Mr. Jefferson received his second 
Jefferson again presidential election ; and such was his popularity, that 
elected presi- p votes, he received 162. George Clinton, of 

-— New-York, was chosen vice president. 1 hey were, ac¬ 
cording to custom, sworn into office on the 4th of March 1805. 

Mr. Jefferson, on entering upon the discharge of the duties of the 
second term of his administration, although a decided majority in both 
houses of congress were friendly to the principles of government by 
which he was actuated, perceived himself to be placed in a more criti¬ 
cal situation than at any former period of his public life. The manner 
in which European wars were conducted, created apprehensions in 
the minds of the American citizens, that their rights and liberties would 
not only be endangered, but sacrificed. 

Policy of Ame yvise policy of America had been eminently con- 

rica during the spicuous in maintaining a steady system of neutrality, 
revdutbnl*^^ during the whole of those wars which broke out in con- 
-sequence of the French revolution. Her neutrality ena¬ 
bled her to profit by the colonial commerce of France and Spain, as also 
by the whole branch of European trade, which, in consequence of the 
general war, could not be transported in native ships. France, in the 
meantime, had become a nation of soldiers. She had repelled her in¬ 
vaders, and placed at the head of her republic a man whose vast men¬ 
tal powers and resources had acquired control over most of the Euro¬ 
pean kingdoms. Buonaparte had made a stand against the maritime 
tyranny of Britain, while that nation, with equal vigour, resisted his 
usurpations on land. Each party was intent on repaying blow for 
blow; and each was regardless how great a part of the shock might 
fall on unoffending neutrals, so that any part of it should reach his an¬ 
tagonist. Nor was this all; each belligerent, resolutely bent that other 
nations should make common cause, made it understood, that whatever 
nation should fail of resenting the injuries of his enemy, should be in¬ 
jured by him. Thus was peaceful America stricken, until she aroused 
in her might, to manifest that she, too, had rights and sensibilities. 
America, too, had profited by the opportunities of commerce which 
these nations were squandering away; and her increasing riches fre¬ 
quently excited the jealousy of the belligerents, particularly of Britain 
Hence, on the slightest pretences, her vessels were captured and con¬ 
demned. 

_ ^ . On two subjects Britain and America were at issue. 

Disputes be¬ 
tween Great Bri- One was respecting what the former power denominated 




1805.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


317 


“ the right of search by which, on various pretences, tain and Ame- 

she had so long haughtily assumed, and exercised an - 

authority to search the vessels of other nations. Another subject in 
dispute was, that of expatriation. England maintained, that a man, 
once a subject, was always a subject; and that no act of his could 
change his allegiance to the government under which he was born. 
America, with a more liberal policy, held that man was born free ; and 
if, when he arrived at years of reflection, he preferred some other go¬ 
vernment to that of his native land, he had a right to withdraw himself, 
and break the bonds imposed by his birth, when he should deem them 
to be fetters, and become an integral part of the nation whose govern¬ 
ment he most approved, and on whose soil he should prefer to dwell. 
In pursuance of these different principles, America received and adopted 
as her sons, all who, in compliance with the forms of her laws, sought 
her hospitable protection. Hence, there were those, who being born 
in Great Britain, were claimed by'that government as her subjects ; 
while, at the same time, having resided in America, and become natu¬ 
ralized, they were as much regarded as her citizens, as if they had 
drawn their first breath upon her soil. 

This difference in principles on the subjects of the right of search, 
and that of expatriation, produced the difficulties between the two na¬ 
tions, on the subject of the impressment of American seamen. Officers 
of British ships, in the exercise of the pretended right of search, en¬ 
tered American vessels, and impressed from thence certain seamen, 
whom they claimed as British subjects, because they 1806 
were born in Great Britain ; while the same men, having impressment of 
become naturalized in America, were regarded by this 

nation as her citizens. The practice of impressment, -— 

thus begun, did not end here, but proceeded to extremes that were un- 
justifiable on any principles. The native citizens of America were 
wantonly confounded with her adopted ones, by the domineering offi¬ 
cers of the British navy; and a cry was heard throughout the land, of 
American families, who mourned for their relatives, thus forcibly seized 
and detained in the worst of bondage. 

America, thus harassed, was meditating measures for ^ 

1 • T French and Eng 

the defence of her commerce, when she received, from lish decrees, 
both the belligerents, fresh cause of provocation. Great ' 

Britain, under the administration of Charles Fox, issued a proclama¬ 
tion, May, 1806, blockading the coast of the continent, from Elbe to 
Brest. The French government, exasperated at this measure, retalia¬ 
ted by the decree issued at Berlin, November 21st, declaring the Bri- 

♦ See m the campaign of 1780, an account of the “ Armed Neutrality.’* 





HISTORY OF THE 


318 


[1807. 


tish Isles, in a state of blockade. Thus each nation declared, in effect, 
that no neutral should trade with the other. 

In 1807, the public attention was again directed to Col. Burr. He 
had lost the confidence of the republican party, by his supposed in¬ 
trigues against Mr. Jefferson, for the office of president; and excited 
the indignation of the whole federal party, by his encounter with Ha- 
‘^uspicious eii- ™*^fon. Thus situated, he had retired as a private citi- 
terprise of Col. zen into the western states. It was, at length, under- 
-stood, that he was at the head of a great number of in¬ 
dividuals, who were arming and organizing themselves ; purchasing 
and building boats on the Ohio. Their ostensible object was peaceful 
and agricultural. It was to form a settlement on the banks of the 
Washita, in Louisiana. Their boats, it was said, were calculated to 
accommodate families, who were removing to their settlements. But 
the vigilant eye of government was upon their leader; and, as the 
nature and designs of his movements were suspected, he was closely 
scrutinized ; prosecutions were instituted against him in Tennessee, 
Kentucky, and in the Mississip})i territory, from which, as proof of 
guilt was wanting, he was discharged. At length, these suspicions gain- 
ing strength, he was apprehended on the Tombigbee 
Birrr is appre- river, in Mississippi territory, in February, 1807, brought 

hendecl, tried, Richmond, under military escort, and committed, in 
and acciuitted. ' _ ^ ' 

- order to take his trial upon two charges exhibited against 

him, on the part of the United States. First, for a high misdemeanor, 
in setting on foot, within the United States, a military expedition against 
che king of Spain, with whom the United States were at peace ; second, 
for treason in assembling an armed force, with a design to seize the 
city of New Orleans, to revolutionize the territory attached to it, and 
to separate the Atlantic states from the wes’tern. It was supposed that 
he intended to make New Orleans the seat of his dominions, and the 
capital of his empire. In August, after a trial before Judge Marshall, 
the chief justice of the United States, sufficient evidence of his guilt 
not being presented, he was acquitted by the jury. 


SECTION II. 

1807. In June, of this year, an outrage was committed upon 

th^Chesapeake. United States’ frigate, the Chesapeake, by the Bri- 

- tish ship of war Leopard, which produced throughout the 

country a general burst of indignation. The Chesapeake, commanded 
by Com. Barron, having been ordered on a cruise in the Mediterra- 





1807.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


319 


nean, sailed from Hampton Roads on the 22d of June. She had pro¬ 
ceeded hut a few leagues from the coast, when she was overtaken by 
the Leopard. A British officer came on board, with an order from 
Vice-admiral Berkely, to take from the Chesapeake three men, alleged 
to be deserters from the Melampus frigate. These men, it appears, 
were American citizens, who had been impressed by the British, but 
had deserted, and enlisted in the American service. Com. Barron re¬ 
plied to the British officer in terms of politeness, but refused to have 
his crew mustered for examination, by any officers but his own. He 
was unprepared for an attack, not contemplating the possibility of meet¬ 
ing an enemy so near the Capes; but, during this interview, noticing 
preparations on hoard the Leopard, indicative of a hostile disposition, 
he immediately gave orders to prepare for action. But before any 
efficient preparations could be made the Leopard opened a broadside 
upon the Chesapeake. After receiving her fire about thirty minutes, 
during which, the Americans had three men killed, and eighteen 
wounded. Com. Barron ordered the colours to be struck. An officer 
from the Leopard came on board, and took four men, the three who 
had been previously demanded, and another, who, they affirmed, had 
deserted from a merchant vessel. Com. Barron observed, that he con¬ 
sidered the Chesapeake a prize of the Leopard. The officer replied 
“ No,” he had obeyed his orders in taking out the men, and had no¬ 
thing further to do with her. This event produced great excitement. 
That rancour of party which had so long embittered all the intercourse 
of social life, was lost in the general desire to avenge a common wrong. 
The president, by proclamation, commanded all British armed vessels 
within the harbours or waters of the United States, to‘depart from the 
same without delay, and prohibited others from entering. Mr. Monroe, 
the American minister in London, w^as instructed to demand repara¬ 
tion ; and a special congress was called. 

In November Britain issued her orders in council, a ^ 
measure declared to be in retaliation of the French de- 
cree of November, 1800. These orders in council pro- cil issued, 
hibited all neutral nations from trading with France, or 
her allies, except upon the condition of paying tribute to 
England. This was immediately followed by a decree Milan decree, 
of Buonaparte, at Milan, which declared that every ves- 
sel which should submit to be searched, or pay tribute to the English, 
should be confiscated if found within his ports. 

Thus was the commerce of America subjected to utter ruin, as almost 
all her vessels were, on some of these pretences, liable to capture. The 
American government, after much discussion, resorted 
to an embargo on their own vessels, as a measure best Embargo laid, 
fitted to the crisis. This would effectually secure the 





320 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1807. 


mercantile property, and the mariners now at home, and also those whor 
were daily arriving; and at the same time, it would not be a measure 
of war, or a just cause of hostility. 

Mr. Monroe was instructed not only to demand satisfaction for the 
Chesapeake, but to obtain security against future impressments from 
American ships. But Mr. Canning, the British minister, objected to 
uniting these subjects, and Mr. Monroe was not authorized to treat them 
separately. Mr. Rose was sent envoy-extraordinary to the United 
States, to adjust the difficulty which had arisen on account of the Che¬ 
sapeake. In 1808, Com. Barron was tried for prematurely surrender¬ 
ing that frigate, and suspended for five years. 

1809 1809, Mr. Jefferson’s second term of office having 

Mr. Madison is expired, he declared his wish to retire from public life, 
and Mr. Madison, who had during Mr. Jefferson’s admi- 
nistration, held the important office of secretary of state, 
was elected president. Mr. George Clinton of New-York was re¬ 
elected vice president. 

Although all the citizens of America were indignant at the treatment 
of their country by the belligerent powers, a diversity of opinion pre¬ 
vailed with regard to the method adopted by government to prevent 
further aggression. The embargo convulsed the whole nation, and 
produced the most violent opposition. The commercial states inveighed 
against it as ruinous ; bringing in its train poverty and distress. Indi¬ 
viduals throughout the nation seized opportunities of infringing it, and 
its restrictions could not be enforced in the eastern states without tlie 
March. ^ military force. Thus circumstanced, the go- 

Embargo vernment repealed the embargo, and substituted another 
—— law, prohibiting for one year all intercourse with France 
or Great Britain. A provision was made in this law, that should either 
of the hostile nations revoke her edict, so that the neutral commerce of 
the United States should be no longer violated, the president should 
immediately make it known by proclamation, and from that time the 
non-intercourse law should cease to be enforced, as it regarded that 
nation. 

On pretence Of retaliating upon America for submit¬ 
ting to the outrages of England, Buonaparte issued his 
decree of Rambouillet, which authorized the seizure and 
confiscation of American vessels which were then in the 
ports of France, or might afterwards enter, excepting those charged 
with despatches to the government. 

Arrangement concluded with Mr. Erskine, the 

with Mr. Er- British minister at Washington, which engaged, on the 
-^- part of Great Britain, that the orders in council, so far 


March 23. 

Decree of Ram¬ 
bouillet. 






1809.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


321 


as they affected tlie United States, sliould be withdrawn. The British 
ministry, however, refused to ratify this treaty; they denied the authority 
of that minister to make such a treaty, and immediately recalled him* 
His successor, Mr. Jackson, insinuated, in a correspondence with the 
secretary of state, that the American government knew that Mr. Er 
skine was not authorized to make the arrangement. This was dis¬ 
tinctly denied by the secretary, but being repeated by Mr. Jackson, the 
president declined all further intercourse with him. 

In May, 1810, the non-intercourse law expired, and 1810 

goverimient made proposals to both the belligerent pow- - 

ers, that, if either would revoke its hostile edicts, this law should only 
be revived and enforced against the other nation. It had ever been 
the policy of America, to avoid becoming a party in the European 
wars, and to regard each belligerent as standing on equal ground. 
The law was applicable to both, and if it made a distinction in its ope¬ 
ration between the belligerents, it must necessarily result from a com- 
pliance of one, with an offer made to both, but which would still be 
open to the acceptance of the other. France repealed , , 

^ French decrees 

her decrees, and the president issued a proclamation on repealed, 
the 2d of November, in which he declared that all the 
restrictions imposed by the non-intercourse law should cease in relation 
to France and her dependencies. Great Britain was now called on to 
fulfil her engagement, by revoking her orders in council. She refused, 
on pretence that the revocation of the French decrees had not actually 
taken effect. 

The population of the United States, by the third census of 1810, 
was 7,239,903. 

Among the occurrences produced by British ships 
hovering on our coasts, was an encounter off Cape 
Charles, between the American frigate President, com¬ 
manded by Com. Rogers, and the British sloop of war, sident. 

Little Belt, commanded by Capt. Bingham. The attack 

was commenced by the Little Belt, but she was soon disabled, and 

thirty-two of her men killed and wounded. 

Menacing preparations, and the appearance of a com- Indians com¬ 
bination had been discovered among the Indians on the hostih- 

western frontier, who, watching the hostile feelings exist- - 

ing between the United States and Great Britain, considered this a fa¬ 
vourable opportunity for them to commence their depredations. They 
accordingly collected on the Wabash, and under the influence of a fana¬ 
tic of the Shawanese tribe, who styled himself a prophet, and of his 
brother, the famous chief Tecumseh, they committed the usual atroci¬ 
ties of their barbarian warfare. 


1811 . 

May 16. 

Attack oil the 
U. S. frigate Pre- 


41 






322 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1811. 


Gov. Hciirisoa Harrison, of the Indiana territory, was directed 

sent against march aerainst them with a force, consisting of regu- 

thcni. ~ / o ^ 

--- lars, under the command of Col. Boyd, together with the 

militia of the territory ; and on the 7th of November, he met a number 
of Indian messengers at Tippecanoe,* their principal town, and a sus¬ 
pension of hostilities was agreed upon until the next day, when an in¬ 
terview was to be had with the prophet and his chiefs. Warned by 
the fate of so many American armies, surprised and cut off by the sa¬ 
vages, Gen. Harrison, aided by the vigilant Boyd, formed his men in 
^ order of battle ; and thus they reposed upon their arms. 
Battle of Tippe- Just before day, the faithless savages rushed upon the 
Seated ^*^*^*'^ **^ Americans. But their war-whoop was not unexpected. 

-- The Americans stood, repelled the shock, and repulsed 

the assailants. Their loss was, however, severe, being about 180 in 
killed and wounde^d. That of the Indians was 170 killed, and 100 
wounded. 

Mr. Foster, who succeeded Mr. Jackson,-as minister 
from England, arrived at Washington, during the sum¬ 
mer ; and the controversy, respecting the Chesapeake 
and President, was finally adjusted ; the British govern¬ 
ment agreeing to make provision for those seamen who were disabled 
in the engagement, and for the families of those who were killed. 
The two surviving sailors, who were taken from the Chesapeake, were 
to be restored. But no change of policy was exhibited by the British 
government. Their right to search American vessels, and to impress 
American seamen, if native-born Britains, was still maintained ; and 
the orders in council were enforced with the greatest rigour. British 
vessels were, for this purpose, stationed before many of the principal 
harbours in the United States. 

In consequence of the French decrees being annulled, commerce 
with France had again commenced. American vessels, bound for 
French ports, and richly laden, were captured by the British. Not less 
than nine hundred had thus fallen into their hands, since the year 1803. 


Reparation 
made for the 
attack on the 
Chesapeake. 


^ On the meeting of Gen. Harrison with the chiefs, occurred a noble flash of aboriginal 
eloquence. Tecumseh was not present when the council assembled. As he entered, he was 
told, that his father (meaning Gen. Harrison) had reserved a seat for him next himself. 
“ My father,” said Tecumseh, “ the Great Spirit is my father—the earth is my mother, and 
upon her breast will 1 recline!” and accordingly seated himself on the ground. 

In Tecumseh, we find much to remind us of Philip, of Mount Hope. Like Philip, he 
possessed, in addition to the general characteristics of the American savage, a comprehensive 
mind, capable of forming and persevering in a great and complicated plan; and, as with 
Philip, the love of country and the love of right, appear to have been blended in his mind, 
with the thirst for human blood. The plan of Tecumseh, like that of Philip, was to unite 
the scattered tribes of his countrymen against the whites ; and for this purpose, he visited 
and stirred up th« Indians to war, by his savage and powerful eloquence. 





1812.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


323 


It was evident, that Great Britain now considered the United States 
as an unwarlike nation, and knowing the commercial spirit of the people, 
expected that restrictions, equivalent to their own, would be the only 
method of defence to which the government would resort. Forbear¬ 
ance, under these repeated injuries, was no longer a virtue, and served 
only to invite further insult and aggression. 

When congress assembled in November, the president laid before 
them the state of foreign relations, and recommended that the United 
States should be placed in an attitude of defence. The representatives 
of the people acted in accordance with these views. 

Provision was made for the increase of the regular army ^,7 
to 35,000 men, and for the enlargement of the navy. A ^ ^ 

law was enacted, empowering the president to borrow eleven millions 
of dollars ; the duties on imported goods were doubled, and taxes were 
subsequently laid on domestic manufactures, and nearly all descriptions 
of property. 

On the 25th of February, 1812, Mr. Madison laid be- 

fore congress, copies of certain documents, which proved, -^- 

that on the 6th of February, 1809, the British government, by its agent. 
Sir James Craig, governor of Canada, had sent John Henry as an 
emissary into the United States, for the express purpose of insiduously 
destroying its government, by effecting, if possible, the disunion of its 
parts. The service for which Henry was employed, was to intrigue 
with the leading members of the federal party, draw them into direct 
communication with the governor of Canada, and lead them, if possible, 
to form the eastern part of the union into a nation, or province, depend, 
ent on Great Britain. , 

Henry proceeded through Vermont and New Hamp- Disclosure of 

shire to Boston, which was his ultimate destination ; but Henry’s secret 

mission. 

he returned without effecting, in any degree, his purpose. - 

This failure he attributed solely to the readiness which Mr. Madison 
had manifested to meet the conciliatory propositions of Mr. Erskine, 
which took from his opponents the power of making him and his admi¬ 
nistration odious to the people, by representing to them that he was in 
the interest of France. Henry, having vainly sought from Great Bri¬ 
tain, remuneration for this dishonourable service, disclosed the whole 
transaction to the American government, for which he was paid fifty 
thousand dollars, out of the contingent fund for foreign intercourse. 
This treacherous attempt, made by England in time of peace, was re-. 
garded with abhorrence, by the virtuous of both parties, and was among 
the causes which led to the war, which soon ensued. 


/ 





324 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1812. 


SECTION 111. 

In April, congress laid an embargo for ninety days 
upon all vessels within the jurisdiction of the United 
States. Although the government was continually ma¬ 
king preparation for war, a hope was yet cherished, that 
some change of policy would take place in the British 
cabinet, which would render it unnecessary. But at 
length, finding no prospect of such a change, on the 18th 
of June, 1812, an act was passed, declaring war with 
Great Britain. 

In the manifesto of the president, the reasons of the war were stated 
to be, British excesses, in violating the x\merican flag on the great high¬ 
way of nations, by the impressment of American seamen ;—harassing 
American vessels as they were entering their harbours, or departing 
from them, and wantonly spilling American blood, within the limits of 
her territorial jurisdiction ;—issuing orders, by which the ports of the 
enemies of Great Britain were blockaded', and not supporting these block¬ 
ades by the adequate application of fleets to render them legal, and en- 
forcing them from the date of their proclamation; in consequence of 
which American commerce had been plundered on every sea, and her 
products cut off from their legitimate markets ;—and finally, employ¬ 
ing secret agents to subvert the government, and dismembej: the union ; 
and encouraging the Indian tribes to hostility. Against this declara¬ 
tion, the representatives of the federal party, constituting a small mino¬ 
rity in congress, entered their solemn protest. 

Thus had England, by her haughty and overbearing measures, again 
compelled America to resort to arms. The circumstances of the coun¬ 
try at the commencement of the present war, were, however, far dif¬ 
ferent from those which attended the war of the revolution. A govern¬ 
ment had been established, which, unlike the congress 

Condition of r* i • i i i 

America. ot that period, could not only recommend, but enforce. 

The number of inhabitants had increased from about 
three millions to nearly eight millions ; and the pecuniary resources of 
the republic had advanced in a ratio yet greater than that of its popu¬ 
lation. These were the advantages which America in 1812, possessed 
over America in 1775; but there were points in which our fathers of 
the revolution were in a much more advantageous situation for war 
than that in which their descendants, thirty-seven years afterwards, 
found themselves placed. In 1775, the Americans were comparatively 
a warlike people. They had been obliged to be constantly on the 


1812. 

April. 

Embargo laid. 


June 18. 

War declared 
against Great 
Eritain. 





1812.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


325 


alert, to defend themselves from their savage foes; and they had just 
emerged from a contest, which had given practical experience of the 
difficulties and hardships of war, and consequently, the ability to face 
its dangers and endure its fatigues. This war had been eminently cal- 
culated, both by its misfortunes and successes, to impart sound maxims 
in the military art. The shameffirinertness and disasters of the first 
campaign of the French war, the energy and brilliant successes of the 
last ; the disgrace of Braddock, and the glory of Wolfe, were fresh in 
men’s minds ; and it was amidst these scenes that the military charac¬ 
ter of the leader of the revolutionary army, and that of many of his 
officers, was formed. 

On the contrary, in 1812, a season of thirty years of peace and pros- 
perity had enervated the nation. Most of the officers of the revolution 
slept in honoured graves. There were, however, a few veterans of 
that noble band remaining; but they were not of those who had stood 
in its foremost rank, and they had already passed the vigour of man¬ 
hood ; the best energies of which are required for the momentous du. 
ties of a high military command. Thus, for the army to be raised in 
1812, there were no officers in whom entire confidence could be placed. 
But with the best of officers, very great difficulties must have been en¬ 
countered, from the condition of the troops. 

During Mr. Jefferson’s administration, economy was the order of the 
day. Every possible retrenchment of national expenditure was adopted; 
and among other measures of this nature, was the curtailing of the 
army and navy. Although a spirit of prudence in money affairs is 
highly commendable, and though it was at that period popular, and in 
many respects useful to the country, yet it may now be doubted, 
whether, in this instance, it did not degenerate into that penny-wisdom 
and pound-foolishness, which is as little consistent with the best inter, 
ests of a nation, as with those of an individual. The national debt, it is 
true, was by these measures reduced from 875,463,467 to 836,656,932; 
but by the increased expenditures of the war of 1812, ’13^ and ’14, it 
amounted, in 1816, to 8123,016,375; a sum exceeding by 847,552,908, 
its original amount. It is probable, that many of the misfortunes of the 
country might have been spared, by maintaining, during peace, a bet¬ 
ter state of preparation for war, and a sum of money eventually saved, 
far greater than the amount of the retrenchment. 

In 1808, the regular army consisted of only three Military force of 
thousand men. During that year, the government, the U. States, 
alarmed by the increasing aggressions of the European 
powers, increased it to nine thousand. The act to raise an additional 
force of twenty-five thousand, was passed so short a time previous to the 
declaration of war, that not more than one-fourth of the number were 
enlisted at that time ; and those were, of course, raw and undisciplined. 



326 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1812. 


In addition to the regular army, the president was authorized to call on 
the governors of the states for detachments of militia, to an amount not 
exceeding one hundred thousand, and to accept the services of any 
number of volunteers, not exceeding fifty thousand. Thus the actual 
force at the commencement of the war in 1812, was small, and the 
troops were wholly inexperienced. 

Nor had the army that high tone of public feeling, which made the 
soldiers of the revolution a band of heroes. The occasion, though im¬ 
portant, was not so awfully momentous. Indeed, the administration, 
reluctant to change its pacific and economical policy, had suffered the 
highest state of public excitement for the injuries of Britain to pass 
away, before the declaration of war. This was the period immediately 
succeeding the outrage upon the Chesapeake, for which Britain had 
now made satisfaction. The nation felt itself so keenly wounded by 
that insult, that it would then have moved in its united majesty, to the 
vindication of its rights. But while the government delayed and tem¬ 
porized, the warmth of public feeling in a measure abated. That 
money-loving spirit, which the administration had formerly too much 
courted, was now offended by the operation of its restrictive system, 
and its political enemies had taken advantage of every subject of dis¬ 
content, to excite opposition to its measures. 

The state of the revenue in 1812, was far from being 
venue. favourable to the prosecution of an expensive war. De- 

-: rived almost solely from duties on merchandise imported, 

it was abundant in a state of commercial prosperity ; but in time of 
war and trouble, the aggressions of foreign nations, which, in their 
operation, produced an increase of public expenditure, almost destroyed 
the means of defraying it. It was in consequence of this emergency, 
that congress authorized the loan of eleven millions of dollars, and in¬ 
creased one hundred per cent, the duties on imported goods and the 
tonnage of vessels. 

Of the navy. "The Condition of the navy was, in some material re- 

spects, better than that of the army. The situation of 
the United States, as a maritime and commercial nation, keeps her 
provided with seamen, who, in time of war, being transferred from 
merchant to warlike vessels, are already disciplined to naval, opera¬ 
tions. The recent contest with the Barbary states had given to the 
officers and men of the little American navy, experience in war; and 
their successes had inspired them with confidence in themselves and in 
each other.* * The navy was, however, very small. Many enterpri- 
sing individuals of the republic did indeed convert their merchant ships 

* Com. Preble is regarded by some as the main spring of the prosperity of tlie American 
navy It is said, that the gallant band of officers, who, in the late war, gained .so much 
fame for themselves and for their country, were almost all formed under his instructions. 




1812.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


327 


into privateers; but the vessels belonging to the government, at the 
commencement ot the war, consisted of only ten frigates, ten sloops, 
and one hundred and sixty-five gun boats. This was all the public 
naval force which America could oppose to the thousand ships of the 
proud mistress of the ocean. 

Among the few surviving officers of the revolutionary Gen. Dearborn, 
war, was Henry Dearborn, bf Massachusetts, who was commander-m- 

appointed major-general and commander-in-chief of the- 

American army. His head quarters were at Greenbush, on the Hud¬ 
son river, opposite Albany. Forces, acting under his direction, mostly 
composed of New-York militia, were stationed at Plattsburgh, and on 
the Niagara frontier : those at the latter place were, at the commence- 
ment of the war, under the command of generals Porter and Hull. 

About a year before the declaration of war, William situation of the 
Hull, governor of the Michigan territory, had, in his let- northwest fron 

ters to the government, given a view of the situation of- 

the country in the vicinity of the upper lakes. He reminded the admi 
nistration, that they possessed, in that region, three military posts, viz 
Michilimakinack, Chicago, and Detriot. He asserted that the British 
forces at Amherstburg, (otherwise called Malden,) and at St. Joseph’s, 
were about equal to those of the United States, at the three stations 
mentioned; and that should the militia of Upper Canada, in case of war, 
take a part, they were twenty to one superior to those of Michigan, 
the province containing one hundred thousand, the territory only five 
thousand inhabitants. The adjacent states, he said, were thinly inha¬ 
bited, and needed their forces for their own defence. In addition to 
the superiority in population on the British side. Gov. Hull warned the 
government to expect that the numerous Indian tribes, of whose ser 
vices the humane policy of America forbade her acceptance, would, in 
the event of war, the condition in which they most delighted, unite with 
her foe. He urged the importance of Detroit, as being the key of the 
northern country, and the only spot from which the Indians could be 
kept in check. He stated that a wilderness, nearly two hundred miles 
in extent, and infested by savages, separated it from any point whence 
supplies could be drawn by land ; and advised the administration to 
prepare a naval force on lake Erie, superior to the British, and suffi. 
cient to preserve a water communication. If the government should 
not think proper to listen to this advice. Gov. Hull suggested, as the 
next most expedient measure, immediately on the declaration of war^ 
to invade Upper Canada by a powerful army from Niagara, which 
should co-operate with a force from Detroit; and thus take possession 
of the whole province. And he gave it as his opinion, that unless one 
or the other of these measures should be adopted', the posts of Detroit, 
Mackinaw, and Chicago must inevitably fall into the hands of the enemy. 




328 


[1812. 


HISTORY OF THE 

To these suggesUoiis of Hull may, in part, be traced the plan of the 
campaign which was formed at Washington,.and which seems to have 
had the conquest of Montreal for its ultimate object. But instead of 
concentrating the force, and moving directly to this point, the American 
troops were scattered along the extensive northern frontier. It was 
intended to invade simultaneously at Detroit and Niagara, with the ex¬ 
pectation that the armies from these places would move in the direction 
of Montreal, and be joined, on the way, by the force stationed at 
Plattsburg. 

The army, destined for Detroit, was collected at Dayton, in Ohio, 

some time before the declaration of war. The president of the United 

States had made a requisition of twelve hundred men on 
Army of the , ^ , rr^i • i 

northwest, their the governor 01 that state. Ihis number was imme- 

iiumber, &c. diately filled by volunteers, who were divided into three 
itull. regiments, commanded by colonels M’Arthur, Cass, and 

Findlay. These troops were joined by the fourth regi¬ 
ment of infantry, and a few other regulars, amounting, in the whole, to 
about three hundred, under the direction of Col. Miller. These, to¬ 
gether with a few straggling volunteers, who followed the army, and 
were included in the return, composed the whole of this force, the com¬ 
mand of which was given to Hull, who had served with reputation in the 
army of Washington, and who had been, for several years, the governor 
of Michigan. But although he had been a brave man in his youth, 
age had now paralyzed his energies ; nor is it probable, that nature ever 
gave to him the firmness, decision, and activity, necessary to the mili¬ 
tary commander ; who must often in war reverse the maxims of peace, 
as he often finds himself in situations, where, to be long in delibera¬ 
tion, and slow in action, is a fatal imprudence. 

The general having been ordered by the government to proceed to 
Detroit, and there to wait for further orders, the army left Dayton 
about the middle of June, and, passing through Stanton and Urbana, 
traversed the uncultivated region between the latter place and the ra- 
They march to Maumee, or Miami of the lakes. The army had 

wards Detroit. been obliged to remove obstructions, and make their own 
road, yet they reached the Rapids on the 30th of June. 

On the 26th, four days previous. General Hull had received, by ex¬ 
press, a letter from Mr. Eustis, the secretary of war, written on the 
morning of the 18th, the day on which war was declared. Strange as 
it may seem, this letter merely reiterated former orders, and contained 
expressions which indicated that war would soon be declared. Expect¬ 
ing to be informed, by express, whenever the declaration should actu¬ 
ally occur, and not dreaming that the British could be in possession of 
such important intelligence, from the American government, earlier 
than himself; Hull, for the purpose of disencumbering his army, and 




1812.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


329 


facilitating their march, hired a vessel, which had sailed 
as a packet, to convey to Detroit his sick, his hospital Hulf^seuds his 
stores, and a considerable part of his baggage. This baggage by wa- 
vessel, which sailed on the first of July, fell into the ilpturel “ 
hands of the British, near Malden, who had been two or ' 

three days in possession of the information that war was declared. 
With Hull’s private baggage, his aid-de-camp unfortunately had placed 
on board the vessel a trunk of public papers, by means of which the 
enemy became possessed of his correspondence with the government, 
and the returns of his officers, showing the number and condition of 
his troops. 

The intelligence of the declaration of war, Gen. Hull 

received on the 2d of July, in a second letter from Mr. x 

, , Learns that war 

Eustis, of June 18th, which was not sent by express, but is declared. 

by mail, ~ 


The fortress of Malden, or Amherstburg, garrisoned by six hundred 
men, and commanded by Col. St. George, was the strong hold of the 
British, and their Indian allies, for the province of Upper Canada. It 
is situated on the Detroit river, near its entrance into 
lake Erie. On the opposite American bank, is the In- iviSden.” 


dian village of Brownstown, through which passes the - 

road from Ohio to Detroit; a communication on which Hull, in the 
event of the British keeping possession of the lake, must depend for 
the supplies of his army. But they would be liable to be cut off, as 
the British, having command of the waters, could, at any time, land de¬ 
tachments on the opposite side. Thus, for Hull to proceed from the 
Rapids to Detroit, was to advance, and leave an enemy’s fortress in 
his rear. The orders of the secretary of war, that he should proceed 
to Detroit, were, however, explicit; nor do we learn, that at the time 
the American general remonstrated with the government, although he 
afterwards considered this as the fatal order which caused his misfor¬ 
tunes.* Pursuant to this mandate, he continued his 

march, and reached Detroit on the 5th of July. Here „ ^ 

^ ^ ^ ^ Hull arrives at 

he permitted his army to rest for a few days, from their Detroit, 
toilsome march through the wilderness, the fatigues of 
which they had borne with exemplary patience. The Americans were 
here employed in cleaning and repairing their arms, which were, at the 
commencement of the march, in a bad condition, especially those of 
the Ohio militia. 

An impatience prevailed to cross the river, and invade Canada im¬ 
mediately. Gen. Hull, on the 9th, called a council of his officers, in 


* See Hull’s Memoirs. It seems probable, that Hull’s representation of the importance 
of DeU»- % induced the secretary to give this order. 

42 






530 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1812. 


which he explamed to them, that his directions from the government 
were to remain at Detroit, and await further orders, and, on that ac¬ 
count, he could not then invade Canada; but it was the opinion of his 
officers that he ought, notwithstanding, to take immediate possession of 
the opposite bank of the river. 

On the same day, soon after the breaking up of the 

Hul/authorized Council, Gen. Hull received a letter from Mr. Eustis, 

to invade Cana- saying that “ should the force under your command be 

da. His incon- . . • i i 

sistent conduct, equal to the enterprise, and consistent with the safety of 

your own posts, you will take possession of Malden, and 
extend your conquests as circumstances will allow.” Gen. Hull, in 
his answer, on the same day, states to the secretary, that he did not 
think his force equal to the reduction of Malden ; that the British com¬ 
manded the water and the savages ; yet he said he should pass the river 
in a few days.' On the 10th, he again wrote to the government, saying, 
“ the communication must be secured, or this army will be without pro¬ 
visions. This must not be neglected. If it is, this army will perish 
by hunger.” On the 11th, he wrote to Gov. Meigs, of Ohio, a similar 
communication. From this statement of Gen. Hull, and from the tenor 
of his former communications, the government ought to have considered 
his army in a perilous situation, and to have taken measures for its 
preservation; at the same time, so long as Hull had no assurances of 
reinforcements, his order being to invade if he considered his own force 
sufficient; and as he had no pledge from the government, that any 
provision was making to relieve him by taking possession of the lakes, 
or keeping open the communication to Ohio; it would seem that he 
should not have acted in so momentous a concern, on the presumption 
that on account of his former advice, these things would have been 
done. Consistently with his own expressed opinions, he should have 
made use of the discretion granted him, to remain on the defensive, 
until he had sufficient reason to believe that those measures, which he 
had stated to the government as being essential to the safety of the 
post, were in a state of actual accomplishment:—in the meantime taking 
all due pains to keep the sentiments of the army in his favour, and 
warmly soliciting the aid of his government. Had he pursued this 
course, consequences could not have followed, so wounding to the honour 
of his country, as those which accrued. Another course of bolder 
policy also presented itself, in accordance with the views of most of his 
officers. This supposed, that the army of Hull was, of itself, compe- 
tent to the reduction of the enemy’s country, and that prompt and vigo¬ 
rous measures would place at his command the fortress of Malden, the 
key of Upper Canada, and the great obstruction in the way of its own 
supplies. Had this policy been consistently pursued, its result, though 
it might not have been successful, would certainly have been honour- 



1812.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


331 


able. Hull appears to have vacillated between the two, and thus he 
failed of securing the advantages of either. 

Gen. Hull crossed into Canada on the 12th of July, 

and directing his march southerly, took post at Sand. „ 1?. 

. , , . \ ^ Hull invades 

wicli, ana issued iroin that place his famous proclama- Canada, and is- 

tion. This was a bold and imposing composition, and niation. 

backed by the presence of an invading army, had all the - 

effect which the Americans could have desired. The Indians were 
awed into neutrality, and the Canadians favourable to the American 
cause, either remained quietly at home, or joined their ranks. In it, 
he placed before the inhabitants of Canada the advantages of uniting 
with the United States rather than remaining as an appendage of Bri¬ 
tain ; and piomised, in the name of his country, protection to their per¬ 
sons, property, and rights, if they remained tjuietly at home; but, on 
the contrary, if they united with the savages against America, he threat¬ 
ened them with a war of extermination. “ Had I,” continues the pro- 
clarnation, “ any doubt of ultimate success, I should ask your assistance ; 
but I come prepared for every contingence. I have a force which will 
break down all opposition, and that force is but the vanguard of a much 
greater alluding here to the expected invasion from Niagara. If 
Hull intended this proclamation as a stratagem of war, in the com¬ 
mencement of a set of desperate measures, entire success might have 
justified it; to insure which, his sword should have been as prompt as 
his pen, and his military manoeuvres as energetic as his language. J o 
rise so high as the tone of this proclamation, so soon to sink to the de- 
grading surrender of a whole army, without a sword having been 
drawn, was a mortification to which he should not have subjected his 
country. Neither the government, nor Gen. Dearborn, could, without 
some secret explanation, have regarded it as the language of an officer 
who considered his army already in the desperate predicament of a 
“ severed limb,”* requiring their utmost care to assist in uniting it to 
the body. 

Some of the officers were ardent to proceed immediately to the attack 
of Malden, but Gen. Hull deemed it expedient to wait for his heavy 
artillery, which was preparing at Detroit; and in his opinion he was 
supported by a majority of a council of war, which he called on the 
14th of July. 

The army continued at Sandwich, while occasional parties scoured 
♦he adjacent country, and collected some provisions. On the 15th, 
Col. Cass, with a detachment of 280 men, left the camp, having ob¬ 
tained the general’s permission to reconnoitre the ground between Sand¬ 
wich and Maiden. Within four miles of Malden, the river Aux Canards 


* See Hull’s Memoirs. 



332 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1812. 


July 15 presented an obstruction to the approach of the Ameri- 

Affair at the can troops to the British fortress. Col. Cass attacked 
nards^*^*^ Thirty Stationed as a guard, and after killing ten of 

- their number, took possession of the bridge. This at¬ 
tack was made without orders from tlie commander. Col. Miller, who 
accompanied Cass, agreeing with him that this pass was important to 
the Americans, they sent to ask of the general to make provision for 
guarding and retaining it; but, in his opinion, an attempt to maintain 
the conquered position, would bring on a general action, which he 
thought unwise, as Col. M’Arthur was then absent with a considerable 
detachment, and it had been determined to wait for artillery. He sent 
orders, not positive, however, but discretionary, to abandon the bridge, 
and return to the camp, which the party accordingly did. 

Gov. Meigs, of Ohio, to whom Gen. Hull had sent for supplies, had 
despatched Capt. Brush, with a quantity of provisions. Early in August, 
Hull had been informed that this detachment had proceeded to the river 
Raisin, and that a party of British and Indians had been sent from 
Malden to Brownstown, to intercept it. On the 4th of August, Gen. 
Hull, at the request of the Ohio officers, detached about 200 men, un¬ 
der Maj. Van Horn, to open the communication, and escort Capt. Brush 
g to the camp. The detachment arrived at Brownstown, 
Van Horn on the 8th, and although warned of their danger, they 
£owns1own Suffered themselves to be surprised by an Indian ambus- 


-- cade. Being fired upon, the Americans at first returned 

the fire, but soon after fled in disorder to Detroit, leaving eighteen dead 
upon the field, and having twelve wounded. 

July 17. About the first of August, Gen. Hull received the dis- 
Mackinaw sur- astrous intelligence of the fall of Mackinaw. It had been 

-^- attacked, on the 17th of July, by a party of British and 

Indians, principally the latter, amounting in the whole to 1024.* Lieut. 
Hanks, who commanded at this fort, had only 57 men under his com¬ 
mand ; nor had he been informed of the declaration of war, when he 
received the summons to surrender. On learning the strength of the 
enemy, he capitulated, by the lAianimous advice of his officers; stipu- 
lating, however, that his garrison should march out of the fort with the 
honours of war. This event filled Hull with surprise and consterna¬ 
tion. He had nothing now to expect, but that these hordes of northern 
savages would come down upon him. 

Savages are ri- alarm was increased by an intercepted letter from 

sing against the a gentleman belonging to the British North West Com- 

Amencans. » r • i 

- pany, at tort William, trom which he received the mtel- 


* The party was composed of whites, 306; Sioux, 56; Winnebagoes, 48; Tallesawain, 
39; Chippewas and Ottawas, 572. This account shows that several tribes of those regions 
were, at this time, in arms against the Americans. 






18]2.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


333 


ligence, that this enterprising association, by whose means Mackinaw 
had been taken, were still employed with great activity and success in 
inciting the Indians against the Americans, and that several thousands 
in those regions were already in arms. The Indian tribes in his more 
immediate vicinity, he found were also rising against him. Of these 
the Wyandots were the most formidable ; as his supplies from Ohio 
must pass through their country. 

On the 5th of August, he again called a council of officers, to deli¬ 
berate on the expediency of proceeding to the attack of Malden, with¬ 
out the artillery, which had not been made ready, but was expected in 
two days. After deliberation, it was agreed to wait two days, and if 
not then ready, to attack without it. Accordingly, the 
8th was the day fixed on for the assault; but intelligence, to attack Mal- 
received between the 5th and 8th, induced the general ge" his plan^^"^* 

to alter his plan. Letters were received from generals - 

Porter and Hall, who commanded on the Niagara frontier, informing 
him that the enemy were leaving their post in that direction, and were 
bending all their forces against him ; and that he had nothing to ex¬ 
pect from a diversion at Niagara. He was further informed, that a 
considerable number of these troops had already reinforced the garrison 
at Malden. 

Gen. Dearborn, the commander-in-chief, had been directed by the 
government to invade Canada from Niagara, and co-operate with Hull. 
While tardily engaged in preparations to execute this order. Colonel 
Baynes was sent from Montreal, by Sir George Prevost, the governor- 
general of Canada, with a flag, to the American commander at Green, 
bush. He carried despatches to the government, which contained the 
repeal of the British orders in council. But the main object of Pre¬ 
vost appears to have been, to procure (under pretence 
that this would probably produce a peace,) the consent toTnarmiS^^ 

of Gen. Dearborn to an armistice, in which Hull should - 

not be included, that thus he might be able to turn his whole force against 
the only invader of the British territory. In this he was successful. 

The partial armistice was to take place on the 8th of August. It 
was, however, stipulated, by Gen. Dearborn, that if the president of 
the United States should disapprove it, hostilities should commence 
after four days’ notice. But the transmission of the despatches to and 
from Washington, and the stipulated notice, would give to the governor 
of Canada, all the time which he wished. The president did disap¬ 
prove the armistice, but before the commencement of hostilities, the 
objects of Sir George Prevost were effected. 

General Hull had no intimation of the armistice, although he expe- 
rienced its effects. The letters which he had received from generals 
Porter and Hall, destroyed the reasonable confidence which he had 




334 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1812. 


entertained of co-operation from Gen. Dearborn, and also the unautho¬ 
rized expectation, that something would be done by the American go¬ 
vernment to obtain possession of the lake. He felt the necessity of 
opening a communication with his supplies by the way of Ohio. It had 
been urged in the council, held on the 5th, that to take Malden would 
be the most certain measure to effect this; as Malden, the defence of 
the British forces, and the refuge of the Indians, was itself the source 
of its obstruction. This view of the subject was overruled by the con¬ 
sideration, that, as the British commanded the waters between Malden 
and the Ohio road, the Americans, although in possession of that for¬ 
tress, would still be cut off from their desired communication. Hull 
believed that, amidst so many savage foes, a defeat would prove the 
destruction of his whole army. As the governor of the territory, he 
had long been accustomed to watch for the safety of the people, and to 
guard them from Indian outrages, to which the destruction of the army 
would leave them exposed without defence; and the vision of their 
burning habitations, their murdered women, perhaps his own daughter, 
and their mangled babes, rose to his imagination, and the father and 
paternal governor triumphed in his bosom over the military com¬ 
mander ; and although he had pledged himself to lead his army to 

Autr. 7. the attack—although his long delayed artillery was now 

Hull abandons ready for the expected assault, he gave, on the afternoon 
Malden. i •• n 

-ot the 7th, the positive order tor his army to return to 

Detroit. 

Whether the views which induced the retreat of Hull from Malden, 
were correct or not, can never be ascertained ; because the issue of a 
contest was not tried : but posterity will not doubt that he acted from 
the best dictates of his judgment, although it was warped by womanly 
tenderness, and the too cautious fears of age. The man and the war- 
rior should have stirred within him, at the thought of the glory he might 
have acquired for himself and his country; the disgrace which would at¬ 
tend his retreat, and his desertion of those Canadians, who, allured by 
his high promises, had trusted to his protection. If he spared the 
blood of his country, it will, in future ages, reproach his memory, 
that he spared it too dearly, because at the expense of its honour. 
If Hull, with the army under his command, intended a contest with the 
enemy, it would seem that every reason was in favour of his encoun¬ 
tering it at Malden, rather than going to await it at Detroit; for, with 
his views of the numerous force which was gathering against him, he 
ought to have calculated that he should be followed, and thus the war 
brought to his own door. The delay gave the enemy time to concen¬ 
trate their forces, which, not being yet united, he might have defeated 
in detail. The variance of his views, with those of his officers, has 
already been noticed. Neither party adopting those of the other, dis- 



1812.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


335 


content and dissatisfaction arose between them. This was manifested 
on the part of Hull, by his taking the resolution to retreat from Malden, 
without consulting them ; and on the part of the officers, not only by 
the murmuring and reluctance with which they obeyed his orders, but 
by a plan which was, about this time, in agitation to deprive him of the 
command, and choose a more energetic leader. The soldiers were as 
little satisfied as their officers. Having understood, from their gene¬ 
ral’s proclamations, that they were a force which could “ break down 
all opposition,” having expected the attack on Malden, with all the con¬ 
fidence of success, it is not surprising that this unexpected order of their 
commander should have filled them with disappointment and chagrin. 

It was on the 8 th of August that the American army g, 

recrossed the river, and once more took post at Detroit. Hull returns to 

On the same day, Gen. Hull despatched the flower of -^- 

his army, amounting to six hundred men, under Col. Miller, to open 
the communication to the river Raisin, the service which had been 
vainly attempted by Van Horn. At Maguaga, near Aug. 9. 
Brownstown, Col. Miller met, on the 9th, a body of the Battle of Ma- 

enemy, consisting of British, Canadians, and Indians, - 

who, having received information of his approach, had crossed over 
from Malden, and were drawn up in the woods in regular order of 
battle. After a severe contest, the enemy were compelled to retreat. 
Col. Miller pursued them about two miles. They embarked under 
cover of their armed vessels, and returned to Malden. In this engage¬ 
ment, Tecumseh, the celebrated Shawanese chief, was the hero of the 
British force. He, with his Indians, kept his ground, while the regular 
troops gave way, although he was wounded in the battle, and about 
forty of his Indians were found dead upon the field. The American 
loss, in killed and wounded, was about eighty. \s soon as Gen. Hull 
had received a communication from Col. Miller, he sent to that officer 
a reinforcement of one hundred men, under Col. M’Arthur, with a sup¬ 
ply of provisions. A severe storm of rain intervening^to which the 
troops were exposed, without covering, Gen. Hull was induced to order 
the return of both parties to Detroit. Arrangements were now made 
to open a communication where they would be less exposed to incur¬ 
sions from Malden. To this measure, Hull was led by a letter from 
Capt. Brush, who informed him, that he should endea- j^^g. 13 . 
vour to reach Detroit by a circuitous route. Colonels M’Arthur and 

M’Arthur and Cass volunteered for this service, and were - 

directed by Hull to select the choicest troops of their regiments. They 
detached about three hundred and fifty men, and left the fort on the 
13tli of August. 

On the return of Hull to Detroit, he manifested, by his measures, 
his fears for the safety of his post. He sent, on the 9th, an order to 





336 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1812. 


Aug, 15. 

Chicaso surren- 


Capt. Heald, the commander at Chicago, to evacuate 
that place, and conduct the garrison to Detroit. Accord- 
garSotf"defeat- morning of the 15th, he set out with about 

ed by the In- seventy Americans, and fifty friendly Indians, escorting 

‘ _ several women and children. At a small distance from 

the fort, they were attacked by a party of between four and five hun¬ 
dred savages. The little band made a desperate resistance, but being 
overpowered by numbers, thirty-six of the men, two women, and twelve 
children being slain in the engagement, they at length surrendered, 
under promise of protection from “ Blackbird,”* an Indian chief of the 
Pottawattamie nation. 

After Col. Miller’s return, and before the detachment, under Cass 
and M’Arthur had left Detroit, Hull suggested to his officers the pro¬ 
priety of removing his army to some place near the Rapids of the Mia¬ 
mi. His reasons were, that the whole force from Niagara, east from 
the upper lakes, and from Michigan, were collecting at Malden ; that 
lake Erie was closed against the Americans; that the road from Ohio 
was obstructed by hostile Indians ; that their country had not, as he 
could learn, any force prepared for their relief; that their provisions 
were nearly exhausted, and that, isolated as they were, they could not 
procure a supply. This measure, which his own judgment dictated, 
he failed of carrying into effect, because his officers did not approve it; 
and he was told that the Ohio militia would desert if he attempted it. 

On the 13th, five days after the armistice on the Niagara frontier 
was to take effect, and about the same hour that Col. Cass and M’Arthur 
marched, Gen. Brock, the most active and able of the 
British commanders in Canada, arrived to take the com¬ 
mand of the British forces. Previous to his arrival, a 
party of the British, under Col. Proctor, who had suc¬ 
ceeded Col. St. George, in the command at Malden, haff 
taken a position on the river opposite Detroit, and pro¬ 
ceeded to foftify the bank, without interruption from the Americans. 
On the 14th, Gen. Brock arrived at Sandwich, and on the 15th, he 
«ent a fla^, bearing a summons to the American general to surren¬ 
der ; in which he says, “ It is far from my intention to join in a war of 
extermination, but you must be aware that the numerous body of In¬ 
dians, who have attached themselves to my troops, will be beyond my 
control, the moment the contest commences.” To this Gen. Hull an- 
swered, “ I have no other reply to make, than that I am prepared to 
meet any force which may be at your disposal, &c.”—Gen. Brock im¬ 
mediately opened his batteries upon the town and fort, and several per- 

* In several histories, it is related that he did not protect these prisoners, but that the 
women and children were massacred after the surrender. This story is not countenanced 
by Capt. Heald’s official statement. 


Aug. 13. 

Brock arrives 
at the British 
camp, and sum¬ 
mons Hull to 
surrender. 




1812.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


337 


sons vvitiiin the fort were killed. The fire was returned by the Ameri* 
cans with some effect. Gen. Hull, greatly alarmed, sent out an ex¬ 
press, commanding the immediate return of the detachment under 
M’Arthur and Cass. 

Early in the morning of the 16th, the British crossed Aug. 16. 
the river, and landed under cover of their warlike vessels, British land be¬ 
at Spring Wells, three miles below Detroit. Between - 

six and seven o’clock, they had effected their landing, and were marching 
towards the fort. Hull was perplexed and agitated. He believed that 
the territory was invaded by a force which it would be in vain to resist; 
that victory itself would be but a temporary advantage, whose ultimate 
result would be to deliver the inhabitants to the undistinguishing bar¬ 
barities of an Indian massacre. Yet he was not insensible to the dis- 
grace of surrendering without an effort, and even at this critical mo- 
nient, he was wavering and indecisive in his operations, neither pursuing 
with consistency the policy of bravely defending his post, nor that of 
prudently putting his army in the best posture of defence, and then 
making honourable terms of capitulation. At first his army were drawn 
up in order of battle without the fort, his artillery was advantageously 
planted, and his army waited the approach of the enemy, full of the 
confidence of victory. The British were within five hundred yards of 
their lines, when suddenly an order from Gen. Hull was received, di¬ 
recting them to retire immediately to the fort. The indignation of the 
army broke forth, and all subordination ceased. They crowded into 
the fort, and without any order from the general, stacked their arms, 
some dashing them with violence upon the ground. Many of the sol¬ 
diers wept. Even the spirit of the women rose indignant at this unex¬ 
pected disgrace, and they declared, in the violence of their impotent 
wrath, that the fort should not be surrendered. Hull, perceiving that 
he had no longer any authority in his own army, and believing that the 
Indians were without, in large numbers, ready to fall upon the inhabi¬ 
tants, was anxious to put the place under the protection Aug. 16. 
of the British. A white flag was hung out upon the walls Hull surrenders 
of the fort. Two British officers rode up. Negotiations 


Detroit. 


were immediately commenced; and a capitulation was concluded by 
Hull with the most unbecoming haste. His officers were not consulted ; 
nor did he make any stipulations for the honours of war for his army, 
or any provision for the safety of his Canadian allies. All the public 
pr<;perty was given up ; the regular troops were surrendered as prison¬ 
ers of war; the militia were to return to their homes, and not to serve 
again during the war, unless exchanged. 

One of the reasons stated by Hull for his precipitate measures, was 
the absence of the detachment, under M’Arthur and Cass, which weak¬ 
ened his army, as they constituted one full quarter of his effective force, 

43 




338 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1812. 


and their situation exposed them to be entirely cut off. At his particu¬ 
lar request, they were included in the capitulation; as was also the 
party with provisions, under Capt. Brush. Cass and M’Arthur arrived 
immediately after the capitulation, and surrendered agreeably to its 
conditions. Capt. Brush, having learned the circumstances of the sur¬ 
render, from some Ohio militia, took the resolution not to regard its sti¬ 
pulations ; and accordingly marched his party back to Ohio. 

The number of effective men at Detroit, at the time of its surrender, 
is stated by Gen. Hull, in his official report, not to have exceeded 
800; while the force of the enemy is said to have been at least double 
the number. Gen. Brock, in his report to Sir George Prevost, states 
his force to have been 1,300, of whom 700 were Indians. 

Gen. Hull is said to have been treated with great indignity by the 
British in Canada, who obliged him to display the white hairs of a re¬ 
volutionary veteran, in marching through the streets of some of their 
principal villages, to the American air of Yankee Doodle. Being ex- 
changed, he was prosecuted by the government of the United States, and 
arraigned before a tribunal, of which Gen. Dearborn was president. 

„ „ He was, by this tribunal, acquitted of treason, but sen- 

Hull receives i r . 

sentence of tenced to death for cowardice and unofficer-like conduct. 

The criminal under sentence of death was not, however, 
imprisoned, but sent without a guard from Albany, where 
the court martial assembled, to his residence in the vicinity of Boston, 
to await there the decision of the president of the United Stgtes ; to 
whose mercy the court, in consequence of his revolutionary services, 
recommended him. The president remitted the punishment of death, 
but deprived him of all military command. 


death, but is 
pardoned. 


SECTION IV. 

On the 19th of August, three days after the disgrace¬ 
ful surrender of Detroit, an event occurred, which, in a 
measure, healed the wounded pride of the Americans. 
This was the capture of the British frigate Guerriere, 
under the command of Capt. Dacres, by the American frigate Consti¬ 
tution, commanded by Capt. Hull, which took place off the Grand Bank 
of Newfoundland. The captain of the British frigate, previous to the 
rencounter, had challenged any American vessel of her class, and the 
officers, in various ways, manifested their contempt of “ the Yankees.” 
On the approach of the Guerriere, Capt. Hull gave orders to receive 


Aug. 19. 

Constitution 
captures the 
Guerriere. 




1812.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


cno 


her occasional broadsides without returning the fire, and his crew 
calmly obeyed his orders, although some of their companions were 
falling at their guns. Having his enemy near, and his position favour¬ 
able, Hull commanded his men to fire broadside after broadside, in 
quick succession. This was done, and with such precision and effect, 
that in thirty minutes, the Guerriere had her masts and rigging shot 
away, and her hulk so injured, that she was in danger of sinking. Six¬ 
ty-five of her men were killed, and sixty-three wounded. Knowing 
that a few more broadsides would carry his ship to the bottom, Capt. 
Dacres struck his colours. The Constitution sustained but little injury. 
Her loss was seven killed, and seven wounded. The American frigate 
had a small superiority in the number of her guns, yet by no means 
in proportioa to the superior advantage she* obtained. The captured 
vessel was so much injured, that she could not be got into port, and was 
burned. Every mark of honour and distinction was paid to the gallant 
crew' by their grateful countrymen. Several of the officers were })ro- 
inoted by congress, and fifty thousand dollars were distributed among 
the crew, as a recompense for the loss of the prize. 

Soon after, another naval victory was announced. On Essex captures 

the 7th of September, Capt. Porter, of the United States - 

frigate Essex, entered the Delaware, after a successful cruise, in which, 
among other prizes, he had captured a British sloop of w'ar. 'J'his w^as 
the Alert, commanded by Capt. Laugharne, which was encountered off 
the Grand Bank of Newfoundland, and taken after an action of eight 
minutes, the British having three men wounded. 

The operations on the frontier of New-York were, as 
has been remarked, under the direction of Gen. Dear¬ 
born, the commander-in-chief, whose head quarters w'ere 

still at Greenbush. Brigadier-General Bloomfield com-- 

manded the force at Plattsburg ; and Brigadier-General Smyth was now' 
m command at Buffaloe. The militia of the state of New-York, then 
in the service of the United States, amounting to about 5,000 men, un- 
dcr Gen. Van Rensselaer, were mostly stationed on the Niagara fron¬ 
tier. Bodies of regulars and militia were also stationed at Black Rock, 
Sackett’s Harbour, and Ogdensburg. 

Gen. Van Rensselaer made his head quarters at Lewiston, on the 
Niagara river. The militia demanded to be led against the enemy, 
and the general determined to gratify them, by attacking Queenstown, 
a fortified post of the British, on the opposite side of the river. On 
the 11th of October, he attempted to cross the Niagara, but the weather 
being tempestuous, the attempt was defeated. In the evening of the 
12th, the army was reinforced by 300 regulars, under the command of 
Col. Christie. On the morning of the 13th, the attempt Qct. 13. 
was again made to cross the Niagara, and succeeded. Americans, im~ 


Situation of the 
forces on the 
New-York fron¬ 
tier. 




340 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1812. 


der Colonel Van One division of the troops was commanded by Col. So- 

Rensselaer cross ]Qjyjon Van Rensselaer. The other was the division of 
to tiueenstown. 

_ C'ol. Christie, and consisted of the same number oi regu¬ 
lars. These were to be followed by Col. Fenwick’s artillery, and the 
residue of the army. The first party, which effected a landing, was 
that of colonels Van Rensselaer and Christie, which had crossed about 
four o’clock in the morning, just before the dawn of day. As soon as 
the detachments landed, they were formed by order of Col. Van Rens¬ 
selaer, (Col. Christie not having crossed with his men,*) for the purpose 
of storming the Heights of Queenstown. 

While waiting for orders to ascend the heights, the American troops 
were attacked by the enemy on either flank. They were, however, 
met and repulsed ; but they still kept up a fire which enfiladed the ranks 
of the Americans, of whom a considerable number were killed and 
wounded. The brave Col. Van Rensselaer was wounded severely ; it 
was then supposed mortally. 

Command de- Capt. Wool, on whom, as senior officer of the regular 
volves on Capt. troops, the command devolved, was also wounded by a 

—^- ball, which, striking him sidewise, passed through both 

his thighs. Seeking the disabled Van Rensselaer, Wool represented . 
to him the critical situation of his troops; and, notwithstanding his 
wound, volunteered for any service which might relieve them. Col. 
Van Rensselaer directed, as the only effectual measure, the one first 
proposed, that of storming the British battery upon the heights Wool 
conducted his force silently and circuitously, leaving the battery to his 
right, until he had passed it, and attained an eminence which com¬ 
manded it. The British, finding that resistance would be in vain, left 
it to the Americans, and retreated down the heights to Queenstown. 

Elated with their success, the Americans had fallen into disorder, 
when they again beheld their foe advancing. The intrepid Brock was 


* Several of the histories of the war of 1812, are inaccurate in their accounts of tliis 
battle. Their errors proceed principally from the circumstance, that Gen. Van Rensselaer, 
owing to the confusion of the camp, at the time of making his official despatch, was not 
rightly informed of the facts, and was therefore incorrect in the statement which went before 
the public, and from which the histories have been chiefly compiled. No one regretted the 
error more than the general himself, as is manifested from the following letter, of which 
Captain, now General Wool, has, at my particular request, favoured me with a copy:— 

“ Albany, December 24th, 1812, 

“ Sir—In my official despatch to Gen. Dearborn, I was not sufficiently informed, to do jus¬ 
tice to your conduct in the attack of the enemy on the Heights of Queenstown. The manner 
in which you met and repulsed tire troops under Gen. Brock, when he fell, with the party 
under your command, merits the notice of government; and I hope your promotion will sti- 
^nqlate others to emulate your example. 


Qapt. John E. Wool. 


Vours respectfully. 


S. VAN RENSSELAER.’' 




1812.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


341 


at their head with a reinforcement of about 300 men from fort George. 
An officer raised a white flag, in token of surrender : Wool indignantly 
^)ulled it down. To keep the enemy at bay, until he could form his men, 
he despatched a body of sixty men, who advanced, but retreated without 
firing a gun. The British followed, and drove the Americans to the 
brink of the precipice. One soldier was about to descend. Wool ordered 
him to be shot; but as the musket was levelled, he returned. Thus pro- 
hibiting either surrender or retreat, and being ably seconded by his offi¬ 
cers, Wool rallied, and led on his troops to the attack. The British, 
in their turn, gave way, and retreated down the hill. Brock killed, 
Brock attempted to rally them amidst a galling fire from 

the Americans ; but, in the attempt, this brave and gal- - 

lant foe was mortally wounded. His party no longer attempted resist¬ 
ance, but fled in disorder. 

Soon after, Gen. Van Rensselaer, Col. Christie, and the other offi¬ 
cers, who had been expected, joined their forces to the gallant band 
under Capt. Wool. That officer, faint with the loss of blood from his 
wound, crossed the river. Several others, who were wounded, and 
also some prisoners, taken in the battle, were carried over. The Ame¬ 
ricans on the heights considered the day as their own, when they were 
attacked by a body of British and Indians, probably amounting to 1,000, 
under Gen. SheaflTe, who had followed the energetic Brock, at a slower 
pace, from fort George. The battle becoming warm, and the Ameri¬ 
cans being hard pressed, Gen. Van Rensselaer recrossed the Niagara, 
for the purpose of bringing over the militia, who were on the opposite 
bank. 

But those who, in the morning, had evinced so much refuse to 

courage and ardour in the prospect of a battle, having cross, and the 
111 iiii^-i* 11 • 1 Americans are 

looked upon the blood ot their wounded companions, who defeated. 

had been brought over, now became utterly regardless of 

the commands, nay, even the most urgent entreaties of their general, 

to go to the relief of their brethren. Two thousand five hundred of the 

militia remained idle spectators of the combat; and to their cowardice 

may be attributed the defeat which ensued. For this conduct they had, 

since morning, found an excuse in the unconstitutionality of obliging 

the militia to make offensive war ; and they now declared that, in their 

opinion, it would be wrong for them to cross the national boundary. 

The troops already on the Canadian shore, defended themselves 
bravely, but were at length overpowered, and obliged to surrender. 
Sixty of the Americans were killed, 100 wounded, and 700 surrendered 
themselves prisoners of war. 

Ohio and Kentucky, particularly the latter, had aroused at the call 
of Hull for assistance, and an army on its march for Detroit was in the 
southern part of Ohio, when the news met them of the surrender of tha* 




342 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1812. 


post. This news rather stimulated than repressed the ardour of the 
brave and patriotic inhabitants of the west. They continued their ef¬ 
forts in raising troops, until Kentucky is said to have put 
on foot 7,000, and Ohio nearly half that number. These 
had volunteered; nor were they all who had stepped for¬ 
ward, and offered their blood and toil for the honour of their country. 
Pennsylvania and Virginia also sent their bodies of volunteers to the 
aid of their brethren in the west. But it is to be lamented that the 
experience and sldll of the officers, the discipline and subordination of 
the troops, were not equal to their zeal and courage. 

„ . , , On the 24th of September, William Henry Harrison, 

command of the governor of the Indiana territory, and brigadier-general 
northwestern ar- army, who possessed, more than any other man, 


the confidence of the western citizens, was appointed by 
congress, to the command of the whole of the forces. They had al¬ 
ready advanced to the northwestern part of Ohio ; their general plan 
of operation being to protect the country against the incursions of hos¬ 
tile savages, and to regain the ground lost by Hull’s surrender. 

The main division, consisting of 2,000, commanded by Harrison in 
person, was, at this time, at the river St. Mary’s. Another division, 
under Gen. Winchester, consisting of 2,000, had penetrated as far as 
fort Defiance; but they were in want of provisions, and had sent to 
Harrison for relief. That general immediately marched with a consi¬ 
derable part of his troops, and, on the 3d of October, joined Gen. Win¬ 
chester, at fort Defiance. He returned the next day to St. Mary’s, 
having previously ordered Gen. Tupper, with 1,000 of the Ohio militia, 
to proceed to the Rapids of Miami, to dislodge the enemy, and take 
possession of that place. A want of experience on the part of the 
officers, and of proper subordination on that of the troops, produced a 
failure in this, and another similar attempt made by the same officer, 
and the British still retained possession of that post. 

The Indians in the Indiana territory were, in the mean¬ 
time, manifesting a hostile spirit. On the 4th of Sep¬ 
tember, fort Harrison, on the Wabash, was attacked by 
several hundreds of these savage foes. Capt. Taylor, 
who commanded, had a garrison of fifty men, but on ac¬ 
count of sickness, fifteen only were effective, yet he re¬ 
pelled the assailants with great intrepidity, killing a con¬ 
siderable number, while he lost only three of his own men. The sa¬ 
vages, irritated at this defeat, surprised and massacred a settlement 
consisting of twenty-one persons, men, women, and children, at the 
mouth of White river. 

Gov. Shelby, of Kentucky, issued an address, calling for an addi- 
tional number of mounted volunteers, for the defence of the territoiies 


Sept. 4. 

Savages defeat¬ 
ed at fort Harri¬ 
son. 

They destroy a 
settlement on 
White river. 






1812.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


a43 

of Indiana and Illinois. On the second of October, more than 2,000 
had assembled at Vincennes. This body was placed under the com¬ 
mand of Gen. Hopkins. On the 10th, they arrived at 
tort Harrison. Here the destruction of the Kickapoo Hopkins’ expe- 
and Peoria towns was proposed. This plan meeting with the Kickapoof 

general approbation, the troops set forward for its execu- - 

tion. On the fourth day of the march, the army, being in an extensive 
prairie of dried grass, perceived suddenly, alarming vollies of smoke 
and flame advancing with the wind. The Indians had set fire to the 
long thick grass of the prairie. The Americans immediately resorted 
to the only expedient which could save the army. They set fire to the 
grass in an opposite direction, the wind now carrying the flames from 
them, and then marched on to the ground, thus cleared of combustibles.* 

In the meantime, the militia became mutinous, and a major, named 
Singleton, apparently wishing to bring on a quarrel with the general, 
rode up to him, as the troops were resting, and ordered him, in a pe¬ 
remptory manner, to take up his line of march, or his battalion would 
instantly leave him. Hopkins called a council of his officers, who 
agreed to take the sense of the army as to the propriety of returning. 
The majority were in favour of that measure; but Hopkins, who en¬ 
tirely disapproved it, notwithstanding the vote of the army, put himself 
at their head, and commanded them to follow him, promising to lead 
them, in one day more, to the accomplishment of their object. But 
they turned their faces in the opposite direction, and marched towards 
home, the general following in the rear. Thus, in consequence of in¬ 
subordination, this expedition, which commenced with so much indivi¬ 
dual patriotism, produced nothing in the event but public disgrace. 

Another expedition, which was undertaken by the same officer, for 
a similar object, was conducted with better success. With a force of 
one thousand men, mostly regulars and militia, he lefl 
fort Harrison, and, on the 19th of November, destroyed Hopkins de- 
the Prophet’s town, and a Kickapoo village, four miles Prophet s 

distant; these places having been previously evacuated 
by the inhabitants. A skirmish took place between a party of the mi¬ 
litia and an ambuscade of the Indians, in which eighteen of the militia 
were killed. Gen. Hopkins endeavoured to draw on a general action, 
but failing in this, he returned to Vincennes. 

Col. Russel, in a similar incursion, with three hundred Indian towns 

regulars, surprised and destroyed a town called the Pi- - 

mertams. He drove the Indians into a swamp, killed twenty of them, 
and brought off eighty horses. About the same time, another expedi- 


* This operation is called setting a back fire, and is frequently necessary. The Indians 
often resort to this measure to distress an army. 





344 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1812, 


Oct. 2. 

British attack- 
Ogdensburg. 

Oct. 22. 

Attack on St. 
Regis. 


tion was underlaken by Col. Campbell, of the regular army, with 600 
men. On the 17th of November, he marched against the towns of the 
Missisneway, succeeded in destroying them, and overawing the Indians. 

No operations of importance were undertaken by the northern army, 
during this campaign. In September, a detachment of militia from 
Ogdensburg, attacked a party of the British, who were moving down 
the St. Lawrence, and defeated them. They were reinforced, and, in 
their turn, compelled the militia to retire. In retaliation, the British 
attempted the destruction of Ogdensburg, on the 2d of 
October; but they were repulsed by Gen. Brown, the 
energetic commander at that station. 

On the 22d of October, Maj. Young, who commanded 
a detachment of the New-York militia, at French Mills, 
made an attack upon the British at the Indian village of 
St. Regis. The Americans, without the loss of a man, killed five of 
the British, and took forty prisoners. 

On the 16th of November, the army at Plattsburg moved towards 
the Canada frontier, and encamped at Champlain. On the 18th, Gen. 
Dearborn took the command. Soon after. Col. Pike, with his regiment, 
made an incursion into the territory of the enemy, surprised a party of 
British and Indians, and destroyed a considerable quantity of public 
stores. 

It had been expected that the army in this direction 
would invade Canada, but the failures on the Niagara 
frontier and at Detroit, prevented the co-operation of 
these armies; and, on the 23d, the troops at Plattsburg 
went into winter quarters. 

On the 12th of November, Gen. Alexander Smyth, who succeeded 
Gen. Van Rensselaer in the command of the army of the centre, issued 
an inflated address to “ The men of New-York,” assur- 
Gen. Smyth un- ing them, that, in a few days, he should plant the Ame- 
vade Canada.*^^ rican standard in Canada, and inviting them to “ come 
on,” and share the glory of the enterprise. A conside¬ 
rable number volunteered, probably however, more from their confi¬ 
dence in the character of Gen. Porter, who was to be associated with 
Smyth, and who was to command the volunteers, than from the effect 
of that general’s ridiculous and bombastic appeal. Preparatory to 
crossing the army, Gen. Smyth sent two parties, on the night of the 
27th of November, one under Col. Boerstler, and the other under Capt. 
Col. Boerstler accompanied by Lieut. Angus, of the 

and Capt. King navy, with a small but valiant band of marines : the whole 
ra. under the direction of Gen. Winder. The party undei 

Boerstler, whose object was to destroy a bridge, went 
several miles down the river, dispersed the enemy, made several pri- 


Dec. 23. 

Northern army 
go into winter 
quarters. 







1812.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


345 


soners, but returned, without having accomplished their object. That 
under King, who were ordered to attack the batteries, opposite Black 
Rock, performed the service in a most gallant manner. Nine out of 
twelve of the naval officers, who embarked in the affair, and half of the 
seamen, were either killed or wounded. They had dispersed the enemy, 
rendered useless their artillery, and prepared the way for the safe land¬ 
ing of the army who had been ordered to embark at Reveille. The 
van, commanded by Gen. Winder, crossed the river; but, being met 
on the opposite shore, by a heavy fire from the British, they returned 
with the loss of fifteen men. Delays occurred, and the whole army 
were not embarked till noon. Gen. Smyth, at this time, ordered them 
to disembark to dine. It was then found, that there were not sufficient 
boats to carry over 3,000 men at once, as had been the orders of 
the secretary of war; and the general, amidst the murmurings of the 
army, concluded to postpone the invasion. Most of the brave men who 
crossed, succeeded in returning; but some were made prisoners, 
among whom was Capt. King. Not finding boats enough to cross over 
his whole party, he sent all his officers and part of his men, but would 
not desert the remainder, and was captured with them. 

On the 30th of November, Gen. Smyth again ordered Smyth abandons 
the troops to embark the next morning, for the purpose enterpuse. 
of fulfilling his pledge of planting the standard of America on the shores 
of her enemy. They did not go on board the boats as early as was 
expected, and again the general failed of embarking 3,000 at once. 
The fate of the day at Queenstown, (honourable to America in compa¬ 
rison with those,) seems to have been in his mind, and he had no confi- 
dence that those who remained behind would cross at all, if those who 
went over should be in danger. He, therefore, disgracefully aban¬ 
doned, without an effort, the enterprise he had so boastingly pledged 
nimself to perform ; ordered his troops to disembark, the regulars to go 
into winter quarters, and the volunteers to return to their homes. A 
scene of riot and confusion ensued. Four thousand men, indignant, 
and perfectly uncontrolled, were discharging their muskets in every 
direction, making this a more dangerous field than they would probably 
have encountered on the territory of the enemy. 

On the 18th of October, the American sloop of war 
Wasp, commanded by Capt. Jones, encountered the Bri¬ 
tish sloop of war Frolic, under the direction of Capt. 

Whinyates, off the island of Bermuda. Both vessels had 
suffered injuries from a recent storm, but the British was superior in 
weight of metal. The American at first received the fire of her enemy, 
at the distance of fifty or sixty yards, but gradually lessening this dis¬ 
tance, she fired her last broadside so near, that her rammers, while 
loading, were shoved against the side of the Frolic. Capt, Jones then 

44 


Oct. 18. 

The U. S. sloop 
of war Wasp 
captures the 
Frolic. 




346 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1812. 


boarded her, but he trod her deck amidst the dead and dying, without 
finding a private in arms to oppose him. Three officers and the sea- 
men at the wheel were all that were found alive on deck. Of the 
whole crew, consisting originally of one hundred and twenty, all, ex¬ 
cept twenty, were either killed or wounded. The Americans had five 
killed and five wounded. Capt. Jones did not long enjoy his bloody 
triumph. Two hours after the battle, a British seventy-four, the Poic- 
tiers, took both the victor and his prize, and carried them 
Bermuda. On the return of Capt. Jones and 

- his officers, they were hailed by their countrymen with 

the most distinguishing marks of honour. His crew received twenty- 
five thousand dollars, and himself the command of a frigate, the Mace¬ 
donian, subsequently captured. 

Again the Americans triumphed on the ocean, and under circum- 
stances which forced the English to the humiliating concession, which, 
for many years they had not made, that there existed a nation which 
was their equal in naval tactics ; the Americans, not satisfied with this, 
claimed to be their superiors.* On the 25th of October, the frigate 
United States, commanded by the brave Decatur, whose deeds in the 
Mediterranean had already made him regarded as the 
hero of the American navy, encountered the British fri¬ 
gate Macedonian, commanded by Capt. Carden. The 
engagement took place, where the twenty-ninth degree 
of north latitude intersects the twenty-ninth and half degree of west 
longitude, and continued an hour and a half. The Macedonian being 
fo the windward, had the advantage of choosing her own distance, 
which, for the first half hour, was so great, that the carronades of the 
A merican frigate were useless. When the Macedonian came to close 
action, the rapid and well-directed fire of the United States, proved 
fatal to her men, swept her masts and spars, and left her an “unma- 
nageable log and the British captain reluctantly ordered the broad 
(lag of his nation to be furled. When he offered his sword to Decatur, 
that officer, with a magnanimity equal to his valour and conduct, re¬ 
fused to take it, “ from one who knew so well how to use it,” but asked 


Oct. 25. 

Frigate United 
States captures 
the Macedonian. 


Extracts from Baynes’ History will show the manner in which a Briton, but one who 
means to be candid, speaks of the American naval victories. “ The mere superiority of 
force, on the part of the Americans, will not fully account for all the circumstances of the 
capture of the Macedonian. The United States’ frigate seems to have been manoeuvred 
and fought with a high degree of skill as well as bravery; in all the engagements between 
English and French ships, where the latter were superior in force to the former, the suc¬ 
cess of the English depended as much upon the display and exercise of skill and seaman¬ 
ship, as on superior bravery, and these advantages generally decided the contest in a short 
time after its commencement. But in the action now under consideration, as well as in 
that between the Guerriere and Constitution, the seamanship displayed by the Americans, 
was at least equal to that exhibited by the British.” 




1812.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


347 


Dec. 29. 

The Constitu¬ 
tion 'captures 
the Java. 


instead, to receive the friendly grasp of his hand. The loss in killed 
and wounded, on the side of the Americans, was only twelve, while that 
of the British was one hundred and four. 

The naval campaign of this year, closed with another 
American victory, equal in hrilliancy to any which had 
preceded. On the 29th of December, the fortunate Con¬ 
stitution, now commanded by Com. Bainbridge, descried, - 

off the coast of Brazil, the British frigate Java, of forty-nine guns, and 
four hundred men, commanded by Capt. Lambert. An action com¬ 
menced, and continued nearly two hours. The Constitution had nine¬ 
teen men killed, and twenty-five wounded, but she had shot away the 
masts of the Java, killed sixty of her men, and wounded one hundred 
and one. The British colours, which, after every spar was gone, had 
been nailed to the stump of a mast, were at length torn down, and the 
British lion once more quailed before the American eagle. 

Nor were these successes on the ocean confined to 
aimed vessels. The swift sailing privateers, which is- yateer? 
sued from every American port, succeeded in capturing 7 

vessels of a superior force, and in harassing and destroying the ene¬ 
my’s commerce. Nearly 250 British vessels were captured, and 3,000 
prisoners were taken, while but comparatively few of the American 
privateers fell into the hands of their enemies. 

In viewing the results of the campaign of 1812, w’e find on land a 
series of disgraceful failures, altogether unparalleled in the history of 
America. The darkness of the picture is, however, relieved by occa¬ 
sional flashes of valour. These failures were the more mortifying, be¬ 
cause the superiority of the Americans in numbers, over the small Bri¬ 
tish force in Canada, was known to be great; and it was confidently 
expected, that at least all Upper Canada would have fallen during the 
first campaign. 

But the ill success of the Americans on land, was counterbalanced 
by a series of naval triumphs, equally unexpected, and more mortifying 
to their enemy, than even their land defeats were to the United States. 
Great Britain regarded her superiority by sea as the vital part of her 
power, and the most melancholy apprehensions were, on this occasion, 
indulged by some of her politicians, who “ predicted the total annihila¬ 
tion in the breasts of her seamen, of that proud confidence, which had 
been so eminently serviceable in leading them to victory.” 





348 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1812. 


SECTION V. 


IjV the civil and political transactions of belligerent powers, we find 
the causes of their military movements. 

On the 23d of June, five days after the declaration of war, the Bri- 
tish government repealed the orders in council. 

June sooner had the United States declared war against 

America makes Great Britain, than Mr. Monroe, the secretary of state, 
peace^^^* in his letter of June 26th, directed Mr. Russell, charge 

- des affairs at the court of St. James, to state to the Bri¬ 
tish government, that America had entered upon this contest with re¬ 
luctance, and was ready to make peace, as soon as the wrongs, of which 
she justly complained, were redressed. Mr. Russell was authorized to 
negotiate an armistice by sea and land, on the condition, that the orders 
in council should be repealed ; the impressment of American seamen 
discontinued, and those already impressed restored ; and as an induce¬ 
ment to discontinue their practice of impressment, the American go¬ 
vernment pledged themselves, to pass a law, prohibiting the employment 
of British seamen, either in the public or commercial service of the 
United States. 

These propositions being made by Mr. Russell, Lord Castlereagh, 
the British minister, on the twenty-ninth of August, communicated 
to him their rejection by his government; at the same time, informing 
him that measures had been taken to authorize Sir John Borlase War¬ 
ren, the British admiral on the American station, to propose to the 
United States an immediate and reciprocal cessation of hostilities; 
and in that event, to assure them, that full effect should be given to the 
provisions for repealing the orders in council. On the subject of 
impressment. Lord Castlereagh said the British government were 
ready, as heretofore, to receive from the government of the United 
States any proposition which might check the abuse of the practice, 
but they could not consent to suspend the exercise of a right, upon 
which the naval strength of the empire materially depended, until they 
were fully convinced that other means could be devised and adopted, 
by which the object to be obtained by impressment could be secured. 

While this correspondence was going on in England, negotiations 
were also carried on in America. The advantage which was taken by 
Sir George Prevost of the arrival of the intelligence, that the British 
had repealed their orders in council, in procuring of General Dearborn* 


* General Dearborn doubtless supposed, that the object of the British was “ to seek peace 
m the spirit of peace,” not to entrap him, and gain an advantage in carrying on the war. 



1812.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


349 


the partial and temporary armistice of the 8th of August, has already 
been noticed in treating of the causes of the misfortune and disgrace 
of General Hull. 

On the 30th of September, Sir John Borlase Warren, correspondence 
then on the Halifax station, addressed a letter to Mr. between Mr. 
Monroe, apprising him of the revocation of the orders Warren. 

in council, proposing a cessation of hostilities, and- 

threatening, in case of a refusal, that the obnoxious orders should be 
revived. The American government had, in the meantime, been 
made acquainted with the failure of Mr. Russell’s negotiation ; and Mr. 
Monroe replied to Sir. J. B. Warren, that America could not hope for 
a durable peace, until the question of impressment was settled. “ The 
claim of the British government,” says Mr. Monroe, “ is to take from 
the merchant vessels of other countries British subjects. In the prac¬ 
tice, the commanders of the British ships of war often take from the 
merchant vessels of the United States, American citizens. If the 
United States forbid the employment of British subjects in their service, 
and enforce the prohibition by suitable regulations and penalties, the 
motive for the practice is taken away. It is in this mode’that the pre- 
sident is willing to accommodate this important controversey with the 
British government, and it cannot be conceived on what ground the ar- 
rangement can be refused. He is willing that Great Britain should be 
secured against the evils of which she complains ; but he seeks, on the 
other hand, that the citizens of the United States should be protected 
against a practice, which, while it degrades the nation, deprives them 
of their rights as freemen, takes them by force froiyji their families and 
country into a foreign service, to fight the battles of a foreign power. 


This appears from his letter to the secretary of war, dated Head Quarters Greenbush, of 
which the following is an extract:— 

“ Sir :—Colonel Baynes, adjutant-general of the British army in Canada, has this day ar¬ 
rived at that place, in the character of a flag of truce, with despatches from the Bristish go¬ 
vernment, through Mr. Foster, which I have enclosed to the secretary. Colonel Baynes w'as 
likewise bearer of despatches from Sir George Prevost, which are herewith enclosed. Al¬ 
though I do not feel authorized to agree to a cessation of arms, I concluded that I might with 
perfect safety agree that our troops should act merely on the defensive, until I could receive 
directions from my government; but as I could not include General Hull in such an arrange¬ 
ment, he having received his orders directly from the department of war, I agreed to write to 
him, and state the proposition made to me, and have proposed his confining himself to de¬ 
fensive measures, if his orders and the circumstances of affairs with him would justify it. 
Colonel Baynes has written similar orders to the British officers in Upper Canada, and I have 
forwarded them to our commanders of posts, to be by them transmitted to the British com¬ 
manders.” 

From this it appears that the views of the general were truly pacific; but it also shows, 
m connexion with the events of the history, that he was doubly entrapped. He himself 
sends the orders of Colonel Baynes to the British officers in Upper Canada; orders which 
gave them the information that they had no enemy to fear on the New-York frontier, but 
were at liberty to bend their whole force against Hull. 



•350 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1812. 


perhaps against their own kindred and country.” The British admiral 
having no powers to enter on the question of impressment, nothing fur- 
wher remained to America, but to exchange the pen of the negotiator, 
for the sword of the warrior. 

The warmth of party feeling had increased throughout the Union. 
Notwithstanding bravery had been exhibited by individual officers and 
soldiers, still the army had failed in the accomplishment of any impor- 
tant object. The enemies of the administration declared, that the ill 
success of the war was owing to the inefficient measures 
of the government in providing means for its prosecu- 
- tion; while its friends attributed the failure to the inter¬ 
ference of the opposite party. Both were right in degree ; as the go¬ 
vernment, wholly inexperienced in providing for the exigencies of war, 
probably failed in many respects of making judicious and seasonable 
provisions ; and all its difficulties were increased by the ungenerous and 
almost treasonable opposition which it encountered. But had the ex¬ 
pectations which, previous to the war, were entertained with regard to 
the efficiency of the militia system, been realized, and had the affairs 
of the army been managed well by the agents of government, its provi¬ 
sions, notwithstanding the inveteracy of its opponents, would have been 
sufficient to produce very different results from those which w’ere.actu¬ 
ally experienced. It ought to have been remembered, that the United 
States were undergoing the trial of a great political experiment. Their 
constitution, which had succeeded in peace, had not been tested in 
war ; and many had predicted, happily without truth, that it would then 
be found inadequate for public safety, and that the unwieldy mass of its 
Incongruous parts, would then fall asunder. 

The most alarming opposition to the national government, was not, 

however, that arising from mere individual clamour. The states of 

^ t’ t d Connecticut had been officially re- 

Massachusetts quested, by the president, to furnish detachments of their 

refuse to furnish and place them under Gen. Dearborn, for the 

troops. ^ ^ ’ 

- defence of the maritime frontier. The constitution gives 

to congress, power to demand the services of the militia “ for the exe¬ 
cution of the laws, the suppression of insurrections, and the repelling 
of invasions and also declares, “ that the president shall be Com¬ 
mander-in-chief of the militia of the several states, when called into the 
service of the United States.” These states refused to furnish the re¬ 
quired detachments, on the ground that the state governments ought to 
determine when the exigencies of the nation require the services of 
their militia. They also decided that it was unconstitutional for the 
president to delegate his power to any officer, not of the militia, and 
who was not chosen by the respective states. This construction of the 
constitution, was favoured by the decision of the supreme court of 




1812.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


351 


Massachusetts, and as, in their opinion, exigencies did not exist which 
required the service of the militia, they refused to obey the call of the 
piesident. The sea coast of these states, and, also, of Rhode Island, 
which state subsequently adopted the same views, was thus deprived 
of an important means of defence; and public feeling was agitated 
with apprehensions of a civil, as well as a foreign war. 

It was propably owing to this feeling, more thah to any other cause, 
that, notwithstanding the ill success of the army, the result of the elec¬ 
tion of president was not only favourable to Mr. Madison, but showed 
a diminution of the federal, and an increase of the republican party. 
Congress assembled on the fourth of November, after 
an unusual short recess. The increase of the army and We”SiypTs?*”’ 
navy early occupied their attention. As a greater en- enlistment 

ducement to enlist, an act was passed on the 21st of - 

November, by which an addition of two dollars per month was made to 
the pay of the non-commissioned officers and privates; by which, also, 
they were exempted from arrest for debts contracted either before or 
after enlistment. By another act twenty-five dollars were given, in 
addition to the existing bounty, to each recruit who would enlist for five 
years. 

On the 30th of November, a bill was reported to the To increase the 

senate, and soon after passed that body, authorizing the —_ 

construction of four ships, carrying each seventy-four guns, and six 
frigates, each of forty-four guns. The building of these vessels was 
strongly recommended by captains Hull, Stewart, and Morris. On the 
22d of February, a supplementary act was passed, authorizing the in¬ 
crease of the navy on the lakes. 

On the 14th of January, a bill passed, authorizing the 1813. 
president to increase the military force, by raising such 

a number of regiments of infantry, not exceeding twenty, - 

as the service might require. As but little benefit had resulted from 
the employment of volunteers, the law was repealed which authorized 
the acceptance of their services. By the same act, the^ force was in¬ 
creased for the protection of the frontier. 

On the 26th, a bill passed, authorizing a loan of six- To borrow 

teen millions of dollars, for the year 1813, and, the fol- - 

lowing day, another was passed, giving to the president power to issue 
treasury notes, to an amount not exceeding five millions of dollars. 

On the 29th, congress passed a law, declaring, that no seamen should 
be employed in American vessels, but native citizens of the United 
States, or those who .had become naturalized. This law was to be car¬ 
ried into effect at the close of the war. 

The regular force of the United States now amounted to nearly fifty, 
five thousand men. An act was passed on the 13th of February, by 






352 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1813. 


which, in addition to the officers of an inferior grade, six major-gene¬ 
rals and six brigadiers were appointed. 

Madison re-elec- On Counting the votes, it was found that James Madi- 

tcd president _ been re-elected president, and Elbridge Gerry- 

chosen vice president, for the ensuing term of four years; and they 
were, accordingly, on the 4th of March, inaugurated into office. 

Fla 1 of the scene of - military operations, during the year 

campaign. 1813, Comprehended the whole extensive northern fron- 
tier of the United States. At the opening of the cam¬ 
paign, the army of the west, under Gen. Harrison, was placed near the 
head of lake Erie; the army of the centre, under Gen. Dearborn, be¬ 
tween the lakes Ontario and Erie ; while the army of the north, under 
Gen. Hampton, occupied the shores of lake Champlain. The invasion 
of Canada was still the object of the American armies ; and the force 
which Sir George Prevost, the viceroy of Canada, could bring to oppose 
them, was comparatively small. The defence of the Upper Provinces 
was committed to colonels Proctor and Vincent, while the command of 
the troops of Lower Canada was given to Gen. Sheaffe, who was, how¬ 
ever, to act under the more immediate direction of the governor himself. 

The head quarters of Gen. Harrison were, at this time, at Frank- 
linton, in Ohio. Gen. Winchester had proceeded in advance of the 
main army, and hearing that a party of British were stationed at 
Frenchtown, he attacked and dispersed them. He remained at French- 
town, with a part of his troops encamped in the open field, the remain¬ 
der being behind a breastwork. On the morning of the 22d of Janu- 
. ary, he was surprised by a combined force of British 
town. and Indians, under the command of the sanguinary Col. 

Proctor, and the Indian chiefs. Roundhead and Split-log. 
That part of the American force which encamped in the open field 
were soon thrown into disorder. Gen. Winchester and the other offi¬ 
cers in vain attempted to rally. Many of them, unable to make their 
escape, were killed by the Indians. Gen. Winchester and Col. Lewis 
were taken prisoners. The American troops, however, continued fight¬ 
ing with great intrepidity, until they received Gen. Winchester’s order 
to surrender. That general had sent this mandate, on being assured, 
by Col. Proctor, that if the Americans would surrender, they should 
be protected ; otherwise he should not be responsible for the conduct 
of the Indians. The promised protection was not, however, granted ; 
and Col. Proctor marched for Malden, leaving behind him, and without 

Jan. 22. ^ guard, the helpless wounded prisoners. The merci- 

Massacre at less savages soon returned, set fire to the town, dragged 
—^^— the wounded from the houses, scalped them in the streets, 
and left their mangled bodies in the highway. In this melancholy 
^ affair the Americans lost in killed and wounded about five hundred ; 






JSVS.] 


REPUSiLlC OF AMERICA. 


353 


un equal number wore made [)risonor8 of war. They were juincipully 
volunteers from the most respectable t’amilics of Kentucky , and thus, 
this bloody day clothed that state in mourning. The loss of the Bri- 
tish, as stated by Col. Proctor, was twenty-four killed, and one huii- 
dred and fifty-eight wounded. 

Gen. Harrison now removed his head quarters from Franklinton, to 
a fort which he had built at the Ra{)ids of the Miami, named, in honour 
of the governor of Ohio, Fort Meigs. He was here be- j 

sieged on the first of May, by Col. now Gen. Proctor, Fort Meij^s be- 
with a force of 1,000 regulars and militia, and 1,200 In- 


sieved. 


dians. The American army, occiqtying a commanding position, and 
strongly entrenched, resisted the efforts of the besieging army. Their 
fate, however, hung in suspense, when, on the morning y,,. 

of the 5th, an officer arriving at the fort, announced the 

welcome intelligence that Gen. Clay, from whom he- 

came, was, with 1,200 Kentuckians, descending the Miami, and at that 
moment was but a few miles distant. Conceiving that the British army 
was now in his power, Harrison sent orders to land one half of the ad¬ 
vancing troops on the side of the river opposite to the fort, to co-operalo 
with him in forcing the British batteries. Col. Dudley, with a party 
of 800, was charged with this service; and he performed it with so 
much spirit, that, in a few minutes, he was in possession of the batteries 
of the besiegers, and had taken several prisoners; but his troops, un¬ 
duly elated, pursued the British until they were drawn into an ambus¬ 
cade, prepared for them by the subtle Tecumseh. The whole party, 
with the exception of 150, were cut off. The brave Dudley strove in 
vain to rescue his troops. Being mortally wounded, he still continued 
the contest, and killed an Indian warrior before he fell himself. 

In the meantime, a sortie from the fort, under Col. John defeated. 

Miller, brought on a general engagement, in which the - 

British were defeated. The Indian warriors, either dftpleased at their 
want of success, or desirous to display their trophies to their several 
tribes, and to gratify their thirst for blood by the irnrnolatioii of a portion 
of their cajttives, now withdrew from the army of Proctor, notwithstand- 
im>- the entreaties of Tecumseh, who was himself ever faithful to the 
cause which he espoused. Thus situated, Proctor, on the Utli of May, 
raised the siege of fort Meigs, and retreated to Malden. 

Gen. Harrison returned to Ohio, leaving Gen. Clay in 
command. 

In July, the Six Nations declared war against the Ca¬ 
nadas. About the same time, the United States accepted 
the services of some of the other tribes. The govern- 
ment, at the commencement of the war, deprecating the 
policy of employing savage allies, and justly considering the power 

45 


May 9. 

Siege raised. 


July. 

Si.x Nations vie 
dare war a 
gainst Canada 







HISTORY OF THE 


[1813. 


354 


which employed them as responsible for their known barbarities, had 
refused the services of such as had offered, and had uniformly advised 
them to remain neutral. This advice had in many cases given offence, 
being construed as implying a disrespect of their valour. It had been 
found that such was their fondness for war, that the only alternative for 
the administration was to receive their hostile efforts upon the heads of 
their own inhabitants, or turn them upon the enemy’s ; who, having 
first employed them, the law of retaliation now fully authorized the 
American government to do the same. The Indians, allied with the 
British, had committed depredations on those friendly to the Americans, 
and on this account they now considered themselves a party in the war¬ 
fare. From these reasons, the Americans at length consented that they 
should “ take hold of the same tomahawk,” and make common cause 
with them. 


Aug. 1. 

Fort Stephenson 
besieged; and 
Proctor repul¬ 
sed. 


On the 20th of July, Proctor, having again collected 
about 500 of his Indian allies, with about as many regu¬ 
lars, marched against fort Stephenson, on the Sandusky 
river. On the 1st of August, he invested it, and de- 
manded a surrender. Maj. Croghan, a gallant youth, 
of twenty-one, with a garrison of 160 men, took the resolution of de¬ 
fending the fort to the last extremity, notwithstanding the threat, which 
in former instances had been found so potent, that after the contest had 
commenced, the Indians could not be restrained. By his judicious 
measures, and the courage and promptness of the officers and men, 
Proctor was repulsed with a loss of 150; the Americans losing only one 
killed and seven wounded. The mortified Proctor, completely foiled, 
returned to Malden ; and rio military operation of consequence was 
undertaken, until the Americans, having command of the lakes, were 
able to act offensively. 




SECTION VI. 

We now go back several months to give a view of the operations of ( 
the contending armies, on the New-York frontier. 

Early in February, Maj. Forsyth, an enterprising partisan officer, 
who commanded some American troops stationed at Ogdensburg, crossed 
ilie St. Lawrence with a party of his riflemen and some volunteers, 
surprised the guard at Elizabethtown, and took 52 prisoners, together 
with a quantity of arms and ammunition. 

Feb. 22. February, Sir George Prevost, who had 

Attack on Og- recently arrived at Prescott, directed an attack upon 
- Ogdensburg, which was made on the same night, by a 



1813.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


355 


corps of 500 regulars and militia, under Major Macdonnal. The Ameri- 
cans refused to surrender at their summons, and notwithstanding they 
were much inferior in numbers, they fought with great bravery for an 
hour, when they were compelled to retire, and abandon their artillery 
and stores to the British. Two schooners, two gun boats, together 
with the barracks, were committed to the flames. 

Pursuant to the law passed by congress, early efforts were made to 
build and equip fleets upon the lakes. The preceding year, the Ame¬ 
ricans did not possess a single armed vessel on lake Erie, and none on 
lake Ontario, save the brig Oneida, of sixteen guns. On the 8th of 
October, 1812, the gallant Capt. Elliot, with 100 men, 1812. 
embarked in two boats, crossed the Niagara, from Black Oct. 8. 
Rock, and took two British brigs from under the guns of ^i^onVal^Ede 

fort Erie, from which a heavy fire was kept up upon his ^aken. _ 

party. One of these brigs, called the Detroit, was burned ; Ihe other, 
the Caledonia, was added to the American naval force. 

It was in 1812, that Com. Chauncey was sent by the chaunccy pre¬ 
government to take the command on the lakes. He 

arrived at Sackett’s Harbour, on the Gth of October. -^— 

By great exertions he had succeeded in preparing a flotilla to aid in 
the operations of the ensuing campaign. Its first important service 
was that of transporting Gen. Dearborn’s army, from Sackett’s Har¬ 
bour to York, the capital of Upper Canada, which that general, by the 
advice of Gen. Pike, a much valued officer, had determined to attack. 
He embarked with 1,700 men, and on the 27th of April, arrived before 
York. The force of the enemy, under the command of Gen. SheafTc, 
consisted of 750 regulars and 500 Indians, besides a body of grena¬ 
diers, and a corps of Glengary fencibles. These troops had collected 
near the place of debarkation, which was nearly a mile and a half from 
the fort. Maj. PYrsyth was the first who landed. Gen. Pike, to whom 
the command of the attack had been given, soon followed with the re¬ 
mainder of the troops. After a severe contest of half an hour, the 
enemy retreated to their works. The Americans formed, advancing 
in columns. They had destroyed one of the batteries, and were within 
sixty yards of their main works, when the tremendous ^ 
explosion of a magazine, at two hundred yards’ distance, Upper Ca- 
filled the air in every direction, with huge stones and nada, is attack- 
fragments of wood, which falling, caused a dreadful ders\o the A.no- 

havoc among the troops. One hundred of the Ameri- _ 

cans, and forty of the British, were killed. Gen. Pike 
fell mortally wounded. Finding resistance unavailing, Gen. SheafTc, 
with the British regulars, retreated towards Kingston, leaving the c<un- 
manding officer of the militia, to make the best terms in his power. 
The Americans soon recovered from the shock, produced by the cxplo- 





HISTORY OF THE 


[1813, 


3r>0 


sion, and proceeded, iiiider Col. Fearce, to lake possession of the ene- 
iny’s barracks. The outlines of a capitulation were soon agreed on, 
and the Americans took possession of the town. The brave Pike sur¬ 
vived his wounds but a few hours ; but, like Wolfe at Quebec, he drew 
liis last breath amidst the cheering shouts of victory. His dying head 
reposed upon the banner that had lately lloated over the fortress which 
his valour had aided to conquer. It had been brought to him, and he 
requested it to be placed beneath him. 

Gen. Dearborn in person, now took the command of the troops. The 
loss of the British was 90 killed, 200 wounded, and 300 prisoners, be¬ 
sides 500 militia, released upon parole. A great quantity of stores was 
likewise found here, as York was the naval and military depot for all 
Ujiper Canada. Gen. Shealfe’s baggage and papers fell into the hands 
of the Americans. In the legislative and executive chamber was found 

O 

by the Americans, the disgraceful trophy of a human scalp, occupying 
the same place, with the mace and other emblems of royal authority. 

On the 8th of May, Gen. Dearborn evacuated the capital of Upper 
Canada, and having crossed the lake, for the purpose of leaving the 
wounded at Sackett’s Harbour, again set sail, and disembarked his 
troops at Niagara. i 

The army at Niagara having been reinforced, Gen. Dearborn re-em- 
barked, and on the morning of the 27th of May, proceeded to attack 
fort George. The landing was warmly disputed by the British, under 
Col. Vincent, but the coolness and intrepidity which the American 
troops displayed, led on and encouraged by Gen. Boyd, soon corn- 
polled the enemy to give way in every direction. Com. Chauncey 
had made the most judicious arrangements for silencing their batteries 
near the point of landing. Col. ^incent, perceiving 
that the fort would soon become untenable, set fire to 
his magazine, spiked his guns, and abandoned the place, 
not, however, until he had sustained a loss of three hun- 
dred men. The loss of the Americans was seventeen 
killed, and forty-five wounded. The capture of fort Erie speedily fol¬ 
lowed that of fort George. Lieut. Col. Preston took [)ossession of this 
fort on the 28th, it having been previously abandoned by the British, 
and the magazine blown up. 

The British governor had not been an idle spectator of these suc¬ 
cesses. * Having arranged his plan of operation with Com. Yeo, the 
commander of the British fleet on lake Ontario, he embarked at Kings- 
May 28 May, appeared before Sackett’s Har- 

Attenipt on bour, on the 28th, and landed 1,200 men. Gen. Brown 

bour.*^*^^ ^ immediately rallied the militia, and compelled Sir George 

-to abandon the enterprise and return to Canada. 

, After the fall of fort George and fort Fh'ie, Col. St. Vincent hud re 


May 27. 

Fort George sur¬ 
renders to the 
Americans, also 
fort Erie. 




1813.] 


UEPITBLIC OF AMERICA. 


357 


June 5. 

Generals Chan¬ 
dler and Win¬ 
der captured. 


tired vvitli his army to Burlinrrton Heights, near the head of lake On- 
tario. He was pursued by a force whicli Gen. Dearborn . 
had detached tor the purpose, under generals Chandler ney Creek, 
and Winder. Col. St. Vincent, having reconnoitered 
their position, formed his plan of attack. At the dead of night, he stole 
unperceived upon tlie Americans, drove in the pickets, and with the 
roar of artillery, and the dreadful yell of the Indians, rushed upon the 
camp. A scene of confusion and carnage ensued, in which the Ame¬ 
ricans could not distinguish friend from foe. Gen. Chan- 
dler, noticing a party of men in apparent confusion, ap¬ 
proached, and attempted to rally them; but they were 
British troops,'and immediately secured him as their 
prisoner. Gen. Winder shared, by a like mistake, a similar fate. 
The Americans, however, maintained their post, and forced the enemy 
to retire. The loss of tlie British was supposed to exceed that of the 
Americans, and was probably between two and three hundred in killed 
and wounded. Col. Burns, on whom the command of the American 
force now devolved, finding himself in an embarrassing situation, from 
the capture of the two generals, and the failure of ammunition, retreated 
from Stony Creek, the place of the battle, to Forty Mile Creek, the for¬ 
mer position of this army. 

The last operation on this scene of hostility, previous to the retreat 
of the Americans, was the unfortunate affair of Beaver Dams. On 
the 24th of June, Col. Boerstler was ordered by Gen. June 24. 
Dearborn, to march from fort George, and disperse a Action at Beaver 

body of the enemy, which had collected at this place. —^-— 

The Americans were attacked within two miles of Beaver Dams, and 
after an action. Colonel Boerstler’s ammunition being exhausted, he 
surrendered his whole detachment, which consisted of 570 men. Soon 
after, Gen. Dearborn received orders to retire from the command of 
the northern army, until his health should be restored ; and the com¬ 
mand at fort George devolved on Gen. Boyd. 

Com. Chauncey left Sackett’s Harbour on the 27th 
of July, to cruise upon the lake. On arriving off Nia¬ 
gara, he learned that the British had a considerable quan- 
tity of stores at Burlington bay. Col. Scott volunteered his services to 
aid in their destruction. They set sail with about 200 infantry, but 
finding a force double their own strongly intrenched, and defended by 
eight pieces of cannon, they abandoned the attempt. They proceeded 
to York, took a few prisoners, and destroyed or carried away five pieces 
of cannon, eleven boats, and a considerable quantity of ammunition. 

The autumn of this year witnessed the novel scene of gept. 10. 
a naval battle, on one of those inland seas which sepa- Perry’s victory 
rate llie possessions of the contending parties. The -^— 


Expedition to 
Burlington bay 








358 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1813. 


American fleet, which had been wholly fornjed during the last summer, 
was under the command of Com. Oliver Hazard Perry. It now con¬ 
sisted of the Niagara and Lawrence, each mounting twenty-five guns, 
and several smaller vessels, carrying, on an average, two guns each. 
The enemy’s fleet was considered of equal force. Commodore Bar- 
clay, the commander of the British squadron, was a veteran officer, 
while Commodore Perry was young, and without experience. The 
conflict commenced, on the part of the Americans, about 12 o’clock, 
and soon became general and desperate. Commodore Perry’s flag 
ship, the Lawrence, being disabled, he embarked in an open boat, and 
amidst a shower of bullets, carried the ensign of command on board the 
Niagara, and once more bore down upon the enemy with the remain¬ 
der of his fleet. The action was severe ; and at four o’clock, the whole 
British squadron, consisting of six vessels, carrying in all sixty-three 
guns, surrendered to the Americans.* 

This success on lake Erie opened a passage to the territory which 
had been surrendered by Gen. Hull; and Gen. Harrison lost no time 
in transporting the war thither. On the 23d of September, he landed 
Harrison takes troops near fort Malden, but to his surprise, instead 

Elalden and De armed force, he met, at the entrance of the town, 

iroit. the matrons and maids of Amherstburg, who, in their 

best attire, had come forth to solicit the protection of the 
Americans. Gen. Proctor had previously evacuated the town, and 
burned the public storehouses and fort. The next day the Americans 
marched in pursuit of Proctor and his troops, and, on the 29th, en¬ 
tered and took possession of Detroit. 

General Proctor had retired to the Moravian village on the Thames, 
about eighty miles from Detroit, his force, at this time, consisting of 2,000 
men, including Indians, who composed more than half his army. He 
Oct 5 overtaken by the American general on the 5th of Oc- 

Battle of the tober. The British army, although inferior in numbers, 

-- had the advantage of choosing their ground. They were 

strongly posted ; their left rested on the Thames, and was defended by 
artillery; their right extended to a swamp, which run parallel to the 
river, and was supported by the brave Tecumseh and his warriors, who 
were stationed in a thick wood which skirted the morass. Gen. Harri¬ 
son, placing great reliance on Col. Johnson’s mounted regiment, ordered 
them to charge the enemy’s centre, with the intention of penetrating 
their lines, and getting into their rear. The Kentuckians advanced 
valiantly to the charge, and so far succeeded, as to throw the enemy 
into confusion; but their horses were unused to such perilous service 

* In giving information of this victory to Gen. Harrison, Com. Perry says, “ We have 
met the enemy, and they are ours.” • 




REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


359 


1813.] 

and they failed to penetrate the British lines. In this situation they 
did not slilFer themselves to be thrown back upon the advancing army, 
but wheeled to the right and left, fell upon the enemy’s'flanks, and 
poured upon them a destructive fire. The venerable Gov. Shelby led 
on Ink militia, and was found in the thickest of the fray. Col. John¬ 
son, with his battalion, was encountered by the Indians under Tecum- 
seh, who, led on by their chief, began the onset with great fury, and 
being encouraged by their leader, they fought with the most determined 
courage, until, in the heat of the contest, Tecumseh was slain. On 
perceiving his fall, the Indians immediately fled, and thus, the death of 
this savage chieftain* was the defeat of the whole army. Johnson 
also fell, but his wounds were not mortal. Proctor, 

Froctor flees, 

perceiving that all was lost, fled from the field, with two army 

surrenders. 

hundred dragoons; and the remainder of his army im- _- 

mediately surrendered. Nineteen regulars were killed, fifty wounded, 
and six hundred made prisoners. The Indians left one hundred and 
twenty on the field. The American loss, in killed and wounded, was 
upwards of fifty. Among the trophies of the field, were six brass field- 
pieces, which had been surrendered by Hull; on two of which were 
inscribed the words, “ Surrendered by Burgoyne, at Saratoga.” 
Several of the Indian tribes now sent deputations to Gen. Harrison, and 
the Ottawas, Chippewas, Miamis, and Pottawattamies, made treaties 
of alliance, agreeing “ to take hold of the same tomahawk with the 
Americans, and strike at all the enemies of the United States, whether 
they be British or Indian.” 

Gen. Harrison, having witnessed the accomplishment 
of his objects in Michigan, and Upper Canada, left Gen. 

Cass in command at Detroit, and embarked for Buffalo. - 

♦ “ This celebrated aboriginal warrior fell in the forty-fourth year of his 
age. In stature, he was above the middle size; extremely active, and capa¬ 
ble of sustaining fatigue in an extraordinary degree. His carriage was erect 
and lofty—his motions quick—his eye penetrating—his visage stern, with an 
air of hauteur in his countenance, arising from an elevated pride of soul. His 
rule of war was neither to give nor accept quarter. He had been in almost 
every battle with the Americans ; and received several wounds, and always 
sought the hottest of the fire. His ruling passion was glory; wealth was be¬ 
neath his ambition, and although his plunderings and subsidies must have 
amounted to a largo sum, he died poor. The Americans had a kind of 
ferocious pleasure in contemplatiDig the contour of his features, which was 
majestic, even in death.” 




3G0 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1813. 


Tlic Kentucky infantry, on tlieir march homeward, collected the bleach¬ 
ing bones of their countrymen, massacred at Frenchtown, and rnourn- 
tully deposited them in one common grave. 

In the early part of tliis year, the bays of Chesapeake and Delaware 

j>Hl'iwiuc and were declared by the British government to be in a state 

Cliesapcake of blockade. To enforce this edict. Admiral Warren 

of bLckadV ^ ' was Stationed off the American coast, and Rear Admiral 

- Cockburn was sent up the Chesapeake, “ to make the 

inhabitants and the government” says a British historian, “sensible of 

the danger of arousing the British nation.”* * A squadron, under Ad- 

rniral Beresford, also entered the Delaware, and, on the 10th of April, 

proceeded to Lewistown. The British demanded provisions of the 

inhabitants, which being refused, they attacked the village, but after a 

bombardment of several days, were compelled to retire. Other at- 

A )ril 10 were made by them to land their troops, but they 

Attack of the always met with a spirited and successful opposition. 

British on Lew- destroyiim some of the smaller American vessels, 

istown. ® . 

- the squadron sailed for the Bermudas, where Admiral 

Warren, with his fleet, was preparing for an attack upon the sea coast 
during the summer. 

I 


Admiral Cock- 
burn carries on 
a predatory war¬ 
fare on the 
shonis of the 
Chesapeake. 


Admiral Cockburn was, in the meantime, prosecuting 
a most disgraceful warfare in the Chesapeake. He took 
possession of several small islands in the bay, and from 
these made descents upon the neighbouring shores, 

whenever, and wherever there was a probability of fliiding 
the inhabitants unprepared and defenceless. The militia were hastily 
collected, and stationed along the coast, and though they often repulsed 
the enemy, yet their opposition was of but little avail against hundreds 
of the marauders. , 

The first attacks were upon the small vdlages ol 
Frenchtown and Havre de Grace. They took possession 

-- of these towns, and the stores in them which could not be 

removed, were wantonly destroyed. They then proceeded to lay waste 
the adjacent country. Their route was marked by devastation and plun- 


May. 

Viliams burned. 


* See Baines’ History. This writer is evidently asliained of these piratical excesses of his 
countrymen, so unworthy the character of a civilized nation. He remarks, “ This desultory 
and piratical species of warfare, though always a favourite topic of British declamation, sel¬ 
dom leads to any important results. Its successes arc superficial and transient; and though the 
suffering and alarm it inflicts, may, in some measure, dispose the minds of the i)Cople of a 
district to peace; even this effect must bo greatly counteracted, by the hatred and irritation 
which it is always sure to excite.” 

The British have ever found this hatred and Irritation the only fruit of such warfare in 
America. They found it in the war of tlie,revolution, and in the war of 1812; and they also 
found, that this irritation produced tcn-lold exertion in carrying on the war. It is, tlierefore, 
to be hoped, tliat these considerations will, in the event of a future war, prevent their resort¬ 
ing to such barbarian measures. 






1813.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


361 


June 22. 

Attempt on Cra- 
ney’s Island. 


der. Farm houses and private dwellings were sacrificed to their thirst 
for spoil; and upon the inhabitants they committed the most disgraceful 
outrages. On the 16th of May, they returned to their fleet. 

Their next descent was upon Fredericktown and Georgetown, situa¬ 
ted nearly opposite to each other, on the Sassafras river; and in these 
places they committed their wonted excesses. 

Not long after, Admiral Warren appeared in the bay, with his fleet 
reinforced and carrying 2,000 troops, under Sir Sidney Beckwith. On 
receiving intelligence of this force, Commodore Cassin made arrange¬ 
ments for opposing them. A frigate was stationed at the mouth of 
Elizabeth river, on which Norfolk is situated, and 10,000 Virginia 
militia were collected near this place. 

On the 22d of June, an attempt was made by 4,000 
British troops on Craney’s island, which was the only ob¬ 
stacle to a direct attack on Norfolk. While their landing 

was opposed by the officers of the frigate, another party - 

attempted to land on the main shore ; but here they were met by the 
Virginia militia, and thus they were forced to abandon the attempt. 

On the 25th, Cockburn and Beckwith directed their 25 

forces, amounting to 2,500, against the village of Hamp- Hampton de¬ 
ton. At first they were compelled to withdraw, by the _ 

spirited exertions of 400 militia, who were stationed at the place ; but 
another effort was made, and they gained possession of the town. 
Their troops were chiefly of the vilest description, being taken from the 
French armies in Spain, and they committed outrages which their less 
savage allies would have been ashamed to perpetrate. 

To the north of the Chesapeake these shameful ex- New-York and 
cesses were not committed, though Jhe effects of the war 
were felt in the strict blockade which was kept up at aded. 

New-York. Three American warlike vessels on leaving - 

that port in May, were chased into New London harbour, and there 
blockaded for several months, by the British fleet, under Commodore 
Hardy. 


SECTION VII. 

Although Commodore Chaunccy had not been inactive on lake 
Ontario, still he had failed to bring Sir James Yeo to a decisive en¬ 
gagement. This the latter skilfully and successfully manoeuvered to 
avoi^, his squadron being inferior in force but superior in sailing to 





362 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1813. 


Oct 5 antagonist. On the 5th of October, liowever, 

Chauncey cap- Commodore Chauncey encountered a fleet of seven sail, 
squadron^”^^ wliich was bouiid for Kingston, with troops and provi- 

_- sions. Five of these he captured, one of them was 

burned, and the remaining vessel escaped. 

General Wilkinson, who had commanded the army on the Mississip- 

Wiikinson ap- Pb appointed to the command of the army 

pointed to com- of the ceiitrc, and arrived at Sackett’s Harbour on the 
mand the army . ^ . 

of the centre. 20th of August. The chief object oi his instructions 

- from the government, was the taking of Kingston ; yet 

the reduction of Canada, by attacking Montreal, appears to have been 
the ultimate object of the remainder of the campaign. 

The forces on which Wilkinson depended for the accomplishment of 
this object, were an army of 5,000, at fort George ; a force of 2,000 
under General Lewis, at Sackett’s Harbour ; and the victorious troops 
of General Harrison, whom General Wilkinson expected would unite 
ExpcKlition with his army, and proceed with him down the St. Law- 
rcnce. General Hampton, who had been appointed to 
command the northern army, was to penetrate by the 
way of Champlain, and form a junction at some place on that river. 
To aid in this project, General Armstrong, who had lately been ap¬ 
pointed secretary of war, arrived at Sackett’s Harbour on the 5th of 
September. General Wilkinson waited on him for orders ; and notwith¬ 
standing his former instructions, he now favoured that general’s pro¬ 
ceeding immediately to Montreal, without attacking Kingston. Grena¬ 
dier Island, near the northern outlet of lake Ontario, was fixed upon 
as the place of rendezvous. Owing to tempestuous weather, the troops 
did not arrive before the last of October; and on the 30th they set sail. 

On the 6th of November, they arrived within a few miles of Prescott. 
The stores were landed on the Canadian side, and the troops under Ge¬ 
neral Boyd disembarked, to proceed by land in order to avoid the fire 
of the British batteries. The flotilla under General Brown, sustained 
a heavy cannonade on passing the fortress. 

The British governor had anticipated the designs of the American 
government, in sending this force against Canada, and had ordered a 
corps of observation from Kingston, to follow the movements of Gen. 
Wilkinson’s army. With this force they continually menaced his rear. 
Col. Macomb, with a select corps of about 1,200 men, was detached to 
disperse the militia, who were collected on the shores. On the 8th, 
he was reinforced by General Brown. On the 10th, having arrived 
at a long and dangerous rapid, the troops, excepting a sufficient num- 
ber to navigate the boats, were ordered to march under General 
Boyd, while General Brown was detached still further down the river. 





1813.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


363 


Generals Wilkinson and Lewis were both confined totthe boats by in¬ 
disposition. On the 11th, the troops arrived at Williams. ^ j 

burg, and were about to re-embark, when the enemy Battle of Wii- 
were discovered in their rear. Gen. Boyd, who was — 
joined by generals Covington and Swartout with their brigades, marched 
upon them in three columns, and commenced an attack. The action 
was sustained for more than three hours with great bravery, the adverse 
lines alternately yielding and advancing, when, by a movement of the 
British, the American infantry, who had been left to cover their retreat, 
were dislodged, and the enemy occupied the field. The loss of the 
Americans was 339; that of the British, 180. The American force 
engaged, did not exceed 1,200, while that of the enemy is estimated 
at 2,000. 

The next day, communications were received from Wilkinsonaban- 
Gen. Hampton, in which he declined joining his forces dons the expedi- 

to those of Gen. Wilkinson, stating that his stock of pro- —^- 

visions was not sufficient for both armies; he intimated, however, that 
he should retire to the Plattsburg road, and would join him lower down 
the river. A council of war was now called by Wilkinson, who decided 
to abandon the attack on Montreal, and to go into winter quarters at 
French Mills. 

In the meantime. General Hampton, with an army of 
4,000 men, encamped at Plattsburg. He received orders 
for invading the enemy’s country, by the way of Cham- 
plain, and took post at that place, on the 25th of Sep- 
tember. Here he met an order to proceed to Chateaugay, and pene¬ 
trate to Montreal, by the way of Chateaugay river. Leaving his en- 
campment at Chateaugay Four Corners, on the 21st of October, he 
crossed the line, and proceeded down the river to Ormstown. Here 
he ascertained, that about 000 of the British occupied a position six 
miles below him, on his route to Montreal. For the purpose of destroy¬ 
ing this force, he detached Col. Purdy, on the night of the 25th, with 
2,000 men. For the want of proper guides, Purdy was unable to ac¬ 
complish his object. A little after sunrise, on the morning of the 20th, 
within one mile of the position of the enemy, the other division of the 
army, under Hampton, overtook Purdy, being, however, on the opposite 
side of the river. Gen. Hampton placed the greater part of his force 
under Gen. Izard, with orders to attack the enemy im- 26 

mediately, which he accordingly did, and after some un- Affair of Clm- 

successful attempts to dislodge them, he retired from the - 

field of battle. During this attack upon the left bank, Col. Purdy re¬ 
mained on the right bank, without any exertions, on his part, to aid 
Gen. Izard, bis men being exhausted by the last night’s march. The 
enemy discovering them, supposed them to be only a small detachment, 


Hampton 
inarciu's from 
Blattsl)urg to 
join Wilkinson. 






364 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1813. 


sent over for guarding the bank of the river, and sent a few troops for 
the purpose of capturing them. Without being observed, they had 
gained his rear, and commenced an attack, when his whole division, 
without firing a musket, fled to the river, in the greatest confusion. 
The British finding their force greater than they had expected, re- 
treated. The American army encamped on the night of the 26th, and 
remained until the 28th, when they returned to Four Corners, where 
Hampton despatched to Gen. Wilkinson the letter which has been men¬ 
tioned. Receiving the intelligence that the attack on Montreal was 
abandoned, he took up his line of march for Plattsburg, 
where he established his winter quarters. He soon re¬ 
signed his commission, and was succeeded in command 
by Gen. Izard. 

Gen. Harrison did not arrive at Buffalo, until the 24th 
of October, and was not ready to join Gen. Wilkinson, 
until he had gone into winter quarters. He then pro¬ 
ceeded to Sackett’s Harbour, leaving the Niagara fron¬ 
tier defenceless, except that a few militia remained, under General 
M’Clure, who commanded at fort George. Sir George Prevost, being 
relieved from his apprehensions of an attack on Montreal, ordered 
his forces, under Gen. Vincent and Gen. Drummond, to proceed to 
Dec 10 Niagara. Gen. M’Clure, fearing their approach, blew 


Hampton retires 
to Plattsburg, 
and is succeeded 
by Gen. Izard. 


Harrison arrives 
at Buffalo, and 
proceeds to 
Sackett’s Har¬ 
bour. 


Fort George de- up the fort, and crossed the Niagara. Misunderstanding 

stroyed, and 
Newark burned. 


suoyed,and ^ orders which he had received from government, he 


- caused, previous to his departure, the village of Newark 

to be burned ; and although the act was immediately disavowed by the 
government, yet the British took measures for its retaliation. On the 

Dec 19 December, 400 of their troops, under Col. Mur- 

The British took ray, crossed at Niagara, and surprising the sentries of 
FortTSgaraf obtained immediate possession. The garrison, 

- consisting of 300, were mostly put to the sword. The 

commander, Capt. Leonard, was absent at his farm, about two miles 
distant, and was consequently accused of treachery; but a court mar¬ 
tial acquitted him of this charge. 

The British now increased their forces, and under General Riall pro¬ 
ceeded to Lewistown. Here they were opposed by the militia under 
Major Young, who, after maintaining his ground for some time, was at 
last compelled to retreat. Major Mallory, from fort Scholosser, with 
They destroy the Canadian volunteers, made a gallant resistance, but 

fro^er. exertions of a few scattered troops were ineffectual 

-- against a large body of British regulars and 700 Indians. 

They laid waste Lewistown, Manchester, and the Tuscarora villages. 

In the meantime. General Hall advanced from Batavia with all the 







1813.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


3G5 


forces which he could collect, for the defence of the fron- They cross at 
tier. On the night of the 29th December, the British, 
under General Riall crossed at Black Rock. Owing to defeat. 


the darkness of the night, the militia were unable to repulse their at¬ 
tacks. General Hall arrived from Buffalo early on the morning of the 
30th; at the same time a large division of British and Indians were 
crossing the river. They effected a landing, notwithstanding the de¬ 
structive fire of the Americans. General Hall was driven from his 
batteries and pursued to Buffalo, a distance of two miles. Here he 
attempted again to face the enemy, when, of 2,000 militia, only 600 
could be prevailed upon to stand their ground. They fled to the 
woods, and many of them were cut off by the enemy. Black Rock and 
The villages of Buffalo and Black Rock were set on fire burned. 

the same day, and the British proceeded into the interior, laying waste 
the whole of the country on the American side of the Niagara for se- 
veral miles. 

Having given a sketch of the military operations of the campaign, 
and as connected with these the naval affairs of the inland seas ; a view 
of the engagements which occurred on the ocean during 1813, next 
follows. The first affair of public ships was that between the Peacock 
and Hornet, and it was in its termination the sixth successive naval 
victory by which America vindicated her equal right with Britain, to 
traverse, unmolested, the great highway of nations. The action occurred 
on the 23d of February, off the coast of Brazil. 

The United States’ ship Hornet, was commanded by 
Capt. Lawrence, and the British sloop of war Peacock, 
by Capt. Peake. The action lasted but fifteen minutes. 

The loss of the British in killed and wounded was about - 

forty, that of the Americans five. The Peacock unfortunately sunk 
with thirteen of her crew, while engaged in removing the wounded. 
She had on board three impressed American seamen, who, notwith¬ 
standing their earnest solicitations, had been compelled to fight against 
their country. One was killed in the engagement, and two were 
found among the prisoners. 

In the career of naval triumph the Americans now 
suffered a severe check. On the first of June, as the 
United States’ frigate Chesapeake was lying in Boston 
harbour, the British frigate Shannon, commanded by Capt. 

Broke, appeared in sight, off the harbour, inviting her to a contest. 
Captain Lawrence, who for his gallant services in the affair of the Pea¬ 
cock, had been promoted to the command of the Chesapeake, felt him¬ 
self bound in honour to accept the challenge. His officers and crew 
were strangers to him, and the seamen were in a state of dissatisfaction 
on account of not having received their pay. Lawrence, however, put 


Feb. 23 

The Hornet cap¬ 
tures the Pea¬ 
cock. 


June 1. 

The Chesa¬ 
peake captured 
by the Shannon. 






306 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1813. 


to sea, and prepared for action. A furious engagement ensued, and in 
a few minutes every officer on hoard tlie Chesapeake capable of taking 
the command, was eifher killed or wounded. Captain Lawrence re- 
ceived a mortal wound, and the Chesapeake being much disabled, he 
was asked “ if the colours should he struckhe replied “ No, they 
shall wave while I live.” Becoming delirious, he continually cried, 
“ Don’t give up the ship.” At the moment of his being carried below. 
Captain Broke succeeded in boarding the Chesapeake, and the British, 
not the Americans, lowered her colours. They did not, however, 
achieve this victory without^ loss. They had twenty-four killed and 
lifty-six wounded. The loss of the Americans was seventy killed and 
sixty-three wounded. The Shannon carried her prize into Halifax, and 
there the heroic Lawrence, who had survived his defeat but four days, 
was interred with every mark of honourable distinction. His pall 
was borne by the oldest captains in the British navy, who, with the ge- 
nerous sympathy of the brave, mourned that a brother hero had fallen. 
A victory over an American frigate was considered a cause of great 
exultation by tlie British, and Captain Broke received honours such as 
had never before been paid to the conqueror of so small a force. 

\uo- 14 Another naval disaster soon followed the loss of the 

The A?gnscap- Cliesapeake. On the 14th of August, the United States’ 
En. sloop of war, Argus, commanded by Lieut. Allen, was cap- 

- tured, after an action of nearly an hour, in St. George’s 

channel, by the British sloop of war. Pelican, commanded by Captain 
Maples. The brave Allen was mortally wounded early in the action. 
The loss of the Americans was forty, that of the British only eight. 
Lieutenant Allen died in England. He was treated with every degree 
of attention, and the generous Britons buried him as they would have 
buried a brave officer of their own nation. 

Sept. 4 September, the American seamen were 

The Enterprize again victorious. The brig Enterprize, sailing from Port- 
land harliour, fell in, the same day, with the British brig 

-- Boxer. Capt. Blyth, the commander, when he descried 

the American, fired a shot as a challenge, and raised three British en¬ 
signs, which he caused to he nailed to the mast. Soon after the action 
commenced. Lieutenant Burrows, who commanded the American brig, 
was mortally wounded, hut he refused to be carried below. In his last 
agonies he requested that his flag might never he struck. Lieutenant 
M‘Call, on whom the command devolved, gave orders to board the ene¬ 
my ; but Capt. Blyth, like his brave antagonist, had fallen ; the British 
brig had become unmanageable, and the crew cried out for quarter. 
They could not pull down their colours, for they were nailed to the mast. 
The bodies of the commanders were received at Portland with tokens 
of the highest respect: masters of vessels rowed them ashore with the 




1813.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


367 


Cruise of Com. 
Rodeers. 


funereal stroke of the oar, while minute guns were fired by the vessels 
in the harbour; and their last obsequies were performed by the civil 
and military authorities of the place. 

On the 26th of September, Com. Rodgers returned from a long 
cruise, in which he had circumnavigated the British isles, and explored 
the Atlantic. He did not gain any signal victory, but he rendered es¬ 
sential service to his country, by harassing the British 
commerce ; having captured twelve merchant vessels, 
and taken many prisoners. 

In the meantime causes were operating, which resulted Creek war. 

in a bloody war with the Creek Indians. The lands of the -- 

Creeks lying within the territory of the United States, were secured to 
them by the national power. Great exertions had been made by benevo¬ 
lent individuals, as well as by the government, to instruct them in the arts 
of civilized life. These exertions had been attended with considera¬ 
ble success ; and they were advancing to a more refined state of so¬ 
ciety. Their early habits and prejudices were not, however, entirely 
rooted out; and some of them wished to return to their former state. 
A visit from Tecurnseh, in 1812, had tended to increase this disposi¬ 
tion. 'Phis highly gifted savage used all the powers of his eloquence 
to persuade them to shake off' the oppressions of civilized life, and 
return to their former condition of wild and fearless independent^e. A 
civil war raged among them. The party, hostile to the United States, 
increased, and they commenced a harassing and vexatious warfare 
against the whites. Alarmed at the threatening aspect of affairs, the 
settlers in the most exposed situations had taken refuge in forts which 
were erected for their security. No event of any importance, however, 
occurred, until the summer of eighteen hundred and thirteen. 

Fort Mims had been erected in the Tensau settlement, 
nearly opposite to fort Stoddert. This fort was now filled Destruction of 

with the inhabitants of the surrounding settlements. ——- 

Maj. Beasely, the commander, had received repeated warnings of an 
intended attack on the fort by the Indians, but had delayed to make 
preparations for its security. On the 30th of August, at noon-day, the 
fort was surprised by about six hundred Indians. At first, the garri¬ 
son stood their ground, and repulsed the savages; but the Indians re¬ 
turning, drove the besieged into the houses, and set fire to them. A 
dreadful massacre followed. Only seventeen, out of three hundred 
men, women, and children, escaped to bear the sorrowful tidings to 
the surrounding inhabitants. 

A desire of revenge spread through the neighbouring states. Two 
thousand men from Tennessee, under Gen. Jackson, and five hundred 
under General Coffee, joined their forces on the 12th of October, and' 
inarched to the Ten Islands, on the Coosa river, where Gen. Jackson, 





368 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1813. 


who took the command, established his head quarters. On the 2d of 
November, he detached General Coffee, with 900 cavalry and mounted 
2 riflemen, to destroy a body of the Creeks at Tallushatches. 
Creeks defeated A desperate engagement ensued, which ended in a com- 
plete victory to the Americans. Two hundred savages 

—-- were found dead, and eighty-four women and children 

were taken prisoners. Gen. Coffee’s loss, in killed and wounded, was 
forty-six. 

At Talladega Jackson, hearing that a party of 

- friendly Creeks, at Talladega, were surrounded, and in 

danger of being destroyed, marched with 1,200 men to their relief. 
Having made the most judicious arrangements for surrounding the 
enemy, he advanced, and commenced an attack. A bloody battle fol¬ 
lowed, in which two hundred and ninety of the Indian warriors were 
found slain. Fifteen whites were killed, and eighty-five wounded. 

The militia from Tennessee, under Gen. Cocke, were encamped at 
fort Armstrong. On the 11th of November, he detached Gen. White, 
Nov 18 ^ portion of his army, against the Hillabee towns. 

Destruction of After burning two Indian villages on their route, they 
entered the towns at daylight, on the morning of the 
- eighteenth, where they found about three hundred inha¬ 
bitants ; sixty of whom, being warriors, were killed, and the remainder 
made prisoners. 

About the last of November, the governor of Georgia sent General 
Floyd to protect the frontiers of that state. With 950 militia, and 
nearly 400 friendly Indians, he marched into the most flourishing part 
of the Creek country. On the 29th, his troops were drawn up for bat¬ 
tle at Autossee, their sacred ground, to approach which, the supersti- 
Nov. 29 tious natives considered as inevitable destruction to any 

Itidiaiis defeat- white man. The Indians were collected from eight towns 
ed at Autossee. 


for its defence, and fought with desperate bravery ; but 
they were defeated, and their towns, consisting of four hundred houses, 
were burned. Two hundred of their warriors were killed, among 
whom were the Autossee and Tallasee kings. The loss of the Arne- 
ricans in killed and wounded was fifty; and among the latter was 
Gen. Floyd. 

^ On the 23d of December, Gen. Claiborne, who com- 

chaca. manded the Mississippi volunteers, gained an important 

victory over the Creeks, under their famous prophet, 
Weatherford, at Eccanachaca, or Holy Ground, on the Alabama river. 

The term of service for the Tennessee militia had now expired, and 
becoming mutinous, they were disbanded, and ordered to march for 
thoir homes. 







1814.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


369 


1814. 


Gen. Jackson 
defeats the 
Creeks atEmuo 
fail and Enota- 
chopco. 


On the 14th of January, Gen. Jackson was reinforced 
by eight hundred volunteers. Their term of service was 
only sixty days; and as fort Armstrong was threatened with an attack, 
and Gen. Floyd was about to enter the enemy’s country, he determined 
to make a diversion of the Indian fortes, by marching against a consi¬ 
derable body who were collected near the mouth of Emuefau creek. 
On the 17th, he took up his line of march, and on the 18th, was joined 
at Talladega, by between three and four hundred friendly Indians. On 
the 21st, appearances indicating their approach to an Indian settle¬ 
ment, and expecting an attack, he formed his men at night in order of 
battle. At dawn, on the morning of the 22d, he was assaulted on the left 
dank ; but after a severe contest of half an hour the Indians were re¬ 
pulsed. Gen. Jackson then acted on the offensive, and made, with great 
vigour, a charge upon the enemy’s lines. Gen. Coffee attacked their 
left, while two hundred friendly Indians co-operated with him on the 
right. The savages being unable to resist, fled to their 
post, and about fifty of them were slain. On the 23d, 

Gen. Jackson commenced his return to fort Strother. On 
the same night, he encamped at Enotachopco ; and the 
next day, his army were attacked in a narrow defile by 
the Indians, whom they repulsed, after a severe contest. The loss of 
the Americans, in these several engagements, was twenty killed, and 
seventy-five wounded. 

On the 27th of January, Gen. Floyd was assailed in Gen. Floyd at- 

his camp, west of the Chatahouchie, by a numerous body _ 

of savages ; but a steady and incessant fire from the artillery and rifle¬ 
men, compelled them to retire. Gen. Floyd was severely wounded, 
and many Qf his soldiers killed. 

The hostile spirit of the Creeks, notwithstanding their numerous de¬ 
feats, still remained unsubdued. Determined to make a desperate 
effort to prevent the destruction of their tribe, they strongly fortified 
the bend of the Tallapoosa, called by the Indians Tohopeka, and by the 
whites. Horse-shoe-bend. Nature and art had rendered this a place 
of great security. The Indians had erected a breastwork, from five to 
eight feet high, across the peninsula, thus inclosing nearly one hundred 
acres of ground. This could not be approached, without exposure to 
a double and cross fire from the Indians who lay behind. About one 
thousand warriors had collected on this spot. Here Gen. Jackson de- 
termined to attack them. On the 26th of March, he encamped within 
six miles of the place, and having learned that the shore was lined with 
canoes, he sent Gen. Coffee to the opposite side of the river, to sur¬ 
round the Bend, in such a manner that none could escape by crossing 
the river. With the remainder of his force, he attacked the fortifica- 
tions in front. A brisk fire was kept up for two hours, when General 

47 





370 


mSTORY OF THE 


[1814. 


Coffee crossed the river to his aid, and commenced a spirited fire upon 
the enemy, who lay behind the breastwork; but they were still unsub¬ 
dued. Gen. Jackson then determined to storm their fortifications. The 
regulars, led on by Col. Williams and Maj. Montgomery, advanced to 
the charge. An obstinate cwntest ensued; in which the combatants 
fought through the port-holes, musket to musket At this time, Maj. 
Montgomery, leaping on the wall, called to his men to mount and follow. 
Scarcely had he spoken, when a ball struck him upon the head, and he 

fell lifeless to the ground. Yet the Americans obeyed 
Final defeat of . . , i ^ n • i i i 

the Creeks at To- his Command, and, following ms example, soon gained 

subSssion of opposite side of the works. Though the Creeks 

Weatherford. fought with a bravery which their desperate situation 

alone could have inspired, yet they were entirely de¬ 
feated, and cut to pieces. Five hundred and fifty were killed on the 
peninsula, and many were drowned or shot, in attempting to cross the 
river. Gen. Jackson’s loss, including the friendly Indians, was fifty- 
four killed, and one hundred and fifty-six wounded. This victory 
ended in the submission of the remaining warriors, and terminated the 
Creek war. Among those who threw themselves upon the mercy of 
their victors, was Weatherford^ who was equally distinguished for his 
talents and cruelty. “ I am in your power,” said he, “ do with me 
what you please. I have done the white people all the harm I could. 
I have fought them, and fought them bravely. There was a time when 
I had a choice. I have none now ; every hope is ended. Once I 
could animate my warriors to battle ; but I cannot animate the dead. 
They can no . longer hear my voice; their bones are at Tallushatches, 
Talladega, Emucfau, and Tohopeka. While there was a chance of 
success, I never supplicated peace; but my people arq, gone, and I 
now ask it for my nation and myself.” 

Aug. 9. During the summer, a treaty of peace was concluded 
cSs conquered Creeks, on conditions advantageous 

- to the United States. Gen. Jackson returned to Ten¬ 
nessee, and was soon after appointed to succeed Gen. Wilkinson in the 
command of the forces at New-Orleans. 


SECTION VIII. 

1813. During the spring of 1813, Alexander, emperor of 
Icta' Russia, with a laudable zeal to spare mankind from the 
desolations of war, offered his mediation in the quarrel 
between the United States and Great Britain. On the part of the 





1813.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


371 


republic, the offer was promptly met, and three among the most highly 
honoured of her citizens, John Quincy Adams, Albert Gallatin, and 
James A. Bayard, were despatched to Russia, to meet and negotiate 
with such commissioners as Great Britain might choose to appoint. 
That power, however, had declined the mediation of Alexander, but 
offered to treat for peace directly with the United States. In pursuance 
of this proposition, to which the American government acceded, Messrs. 
Adams, Gallatin, and Bayard, in the month of August, proceeded to 
Ghent, the place of meeting agreed on, and there met Lord Gambier, 
Henry Golbourn, and William Adams, commissioners on the part of 
Great Britain. On the part of America, Henry Clay and Jonathan 
Russell were added to the gentlemen already mentioned. 

On account of the critical state of the country, con- Congress holds 
gress deemed it expedient to hold an extra session ; and, session. 

accordingly, met on the 24th of May, 1813. Their most urgent busi¬ 
ness was to provide means of replenishing the exhausted treasurv ; 
and, notwithstanding the clamours of the party opposed to the war, they 
proceeded with firmness and decision in the execution of their duty. 
After considerable debate, they agreed on a system of internal duties, 
and laws were passed, laying taxes on lands and houses, distilled 
liquors, refined sugars, retailers’ licenses, carriages, sales at auction, 
and bank notes. By these means, it was expected to raise a revenue 
of five millions and a half of dollars, and a loan of seven millions and 
a half was authorized. Congress adjourned on the 2d of August. 

On the 2d of December, they convened again, as ^ 
usual. Among other important subjects, embraced in sage, 
the president’s message, was that concerning the right 
of expatriation, on which Great Britain and America had been so long 
at issue, and from which the most tragical consequences were, at that 
period, apprehended. Forty persons, natives of Britain, but who, by 
a long residence, had become naturalized in America, had been taken 
in arms against the British nation, and were sent to Great Britain, to 
undergo a trial for treason against their country. The American go¬ 
vernment, feeling itself bound to protect them, had put in close con¬ 
finement an equal number of British soldiers, with a notification, that 
if violence was done, the same, in kind and degree, should be in¬ 
flicted in return. In retaliation for this step, the British government 
put in confinement, with a similar threat, double the number of Ame¬ 
rican officers of the lower grades. This measure had also been reta¬ 
liated, and an equal number of British officers selected. In this alarm¬ 
ing position did the affair stand, at the delivery of the president’s mes¬ 
sage. The subject was, however, adjusted, by the exchange of all pri¬ 
soners, except the first forty, who had been sent for trial; and no pro- 




372 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1813. 


ceedings having been instituted against them, the American govern, 
ment reserved a right to retaliate, in case any violence should hereafter 
be done them. 

Another message was soon after received from the 
Embargo and president, recommending, with a view to deprive the ene- 
act^pasS^^*”” my of supplies from the ports, an embargo upon exports ; 

•- and with a design to protect the American commerce, a 

more complete prohibition of British manufactures. These measures, 
after the most spirited debates, were adopted by congress, but were 
considered, by the opposition, as more annoying to America than to her 
foe, and condemned as unconstitutional and oppressive. These com¬ 
mercial restrictions were not, however, of long continuance. Mighty 
revolutions were taking place in Europe, and these changed the policy 
of America. Her measures had been taken with a view to withdraw 
her commerce from both belligerents, and carry on against them offen¬ 
sive operations, in case her rights were not regarded. The result of 
this was, as we have seen, peace with France, and war with*England. 
America had continued her restrictions with Britain, because the power 
of Buonaparte closed against the commerce of that nation, so many 
of the ports of Europe, that it was detrimental to her to be deprived 
of that of America also. But the fallen Buonaparte was now a power¬ 
less exile on a little island in the Mediterranean: and 
the ports of Europe were open to England. Under these 
circumstances, the American government judged it expe¬ 
dient to repeal their restrictive laws; and accordingly, in 
the month of April, the embargo and non-importation act 
were both discontinued. 

The condition of the army at this time required and 
received the attention of congress. A bill was passed 
early in the session, giving to those who should enlist for 
five years, or during the war, the unprecedented bounty of one hun¬ 
dred and twenty-four dollars; and to any person who should procure 
an able bodied recruit, was given further the sum of eight dollars. 
Little addition was, during this session, made to the naval force. An 
appropriation of five hundred thousand dollars was however made, for 
the building of one or more floating batteries, to be propelled by steam. 

Gen. Wilkinson had remained inactive at French Mills, until early 
in February, 1814; when having received orders from the secretary 
of war, he detached Gen. Brown, with 2,000 troops, to the Niagara 
frontier; and having destroyed his barracks, he retired to Plattsburg. 
Stores at Malone enemy, taking advantage of this movement, on the 

destroyed. 21st of February, made an incursion as far as Malone, 
and destroyed the arsenal and public stores there kept, 
which had belonged to the cantonment of French Mills. 


1814 . 

April. 
Embargo and 
non-importation 
act disconti¬ 
nued. 


pass 
tlie relief of the 
array. 






1814.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


373 


Movements of Gen. Wilkinson, which had the appearance of an at¬ 
tempt again to invade Canada, induced 2,000 of the British, under 
Major Hancock, to fortify themselves at La Colle Mill, near the river 
Sorel. Gen. Wilkinson advanced, on the 30th day of March, for the 
purpose of dislodging them. Having dispersed skirmishing parties of 
the British, he arrived at La Colle, and so arranged his 
troops, as to cover the guns of a small battery, and like- 
wise to cut off the retreat of the enemy. The Ameri- Colle. 
cans now commenced a cannonade, during which, a sor- 
tie was made from the building, which ended in the repulse of the as¬ 
sailants. Finding this battery insufficient to penetrate the thick stone 
walls* of the mill, Wilkinson retired with his forces, having lost one 
hundred in killed and wounded. Such a succession of unsuccessful 
measures brought public censure upon this general. He was tried be¬ 
fore a court martial at Troy, New-York, but nominally acquitted of the 
charges brought against him. 

The whole British force of Lower Canada now with¬ 
drew from the St. Lawrence, and were stationed near 
St. Johns, for securing the entrance of their fleet into 
lake Champlain. During the autumn and winter, Tho¬ 
mas Macdonough, the American commodore on this sta¬ 
tion, had laboured with great industry to provide a naval force on lake 
Champlain, equal to that of the enemy. The flotilla was lying in the 
Otter river, at Vergennes; and it was the object of the British to de¬ 
stroy it, before it should make its appearance on the lake. Apprised 
of this. Commodore Macdonough caused a battery to be erected at the 
mouth of the river. On the 12th of May, the British fleet entered the 
lake, and were repulsed in an attack upon this battery by water. They 
were also unsuccessful in attempting to gain the rear of the battery by 
land, being driven off by a detachment of Vermont militia. Thus re¬ 
pulsed, they abandoned their object, and moved down the lake. 

On lake Ontario, both the Americans and British were actively em¬ 
ployed in constructing large ships, before again contending on its wa¬ 
ters for supremacy, which, however, at this time leaned to the side of 
the British. They attacked several places on the American shore, and 
made attempts, which were generally unsuccessful, to destroy the un¬ 
finished ships, and the stores which were to furnish them. Oswego 

* Gen. Wilkinson, in his report, states, that an eighteen pounder, which had been taken 
by the troops for the purpose of battering down the mill, was left on the way, on account of 
the badness of the roads. I have been orally informed, by gentlemen of high respectability, 
that the cause of its stopping was the sudden discovery of the artillerists, that a mistake 
had been made in respect to the ball, and that twenty-four, instead of eighteen pound shot 
had been taken; and further, that in attempting to batter down the building by the twelve 
pounder which was carried, it was found, that by another mistake, this piece was provided 
with field charges, instead of battering charges. 


May. 

Attempt to de¬ 
stroy the Ameri¬ 
can flotilla on 
lake Champiain. 




374 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1814. 


was a deposit for naval stores. It was defended by a fort, which 
mounted only five guns, and was garrisoned by 500 men, under Col. 

Mitchell. On the 5th of May, the British fleet, with 
Att^konOs IjfiOO troops, under Gen. Drummond, appeared before 
wego. it, but could not effect a landing. On the 6th, they re- 

' newed the attempt, and landed their men. Col. Mitchell, 
after maintaining his ground for half an hour, retired to the falls 
of Oswego, about twelve miles distant, to which place he had caused 
the stores to be removed. Destroying the bridge in his rear, the Bri- 
tish were cut off from their object, and evacuated the town. The fleet 
returned to Kingston, leaving only a few gun boats on the lake. 

Shortly after. Major Appling and Capt. Woolsey were appointed to 
convey the naval stores from Oswego to Sackett’s Harbour. On the 
28th of May, when off Sandy Creek, sixteen miles southwest of Sack¬ 
ett’s Harbour, perceiving themselves discovered by the enemy’s boats, 
they entered the creek. Here they landed, and formed an ambuscade. 
The British followed, were completely surprised, and surrendered after 
an action of ten minutes. One hundred and thirty-three of the enemy 
were taken prisoners. 

The Americans had now completed the Superior, a vessel capable 
of mounting sixty-four guns. Com. Chauncey soon after fitted her out, 
and sailed in view, of Kingston ; but Sir James Yeo did not choose to 
hazard an engagement until his own vessel, of equal size, should be 
completed. 

At the commencement of this year, the Americans were'in posses¬ 
sion of all their former territory at the west, except fort Mackinaw. 

On the 21st of February, Captain Holmes was detached 
Successful expe- from Detroit, with 180 men, to dislodge a party of Bri- 
ver Thame^ tish who were stationed on the river Thames, about two 

■- days’ march from that place. When within fifteen miles 

of their position, he received intelligence that about 300 of the enemy 
were within one hour’s march of him. He immediately retired five 
miles, to a more favourable position, and sent forward a small body ot 
rangers to discover their strength; but they returned, followed by the 
British. Wishing to draw Capt. Holmes from his position, they feigned 
an attack, and then retreated. He followed for five miles, when he 
found the main army preparing for action. He hastened back to his 
former position, and being attacked on all sides, a severe contest fol¬ 
lowed. The Americans gallantly defended themselves for an hour, 
when the British ordered a retreat. The loss of the Americans was 
only six killed and wounded, while that of their enemy was sixty-nine. 

During the early part of this year. Great Britain suffered the war 
with America to languish; but when peace was restored to Europe, 
she directed her military and naval force with new vigour to the pro- 




1814.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


375 


secution of the contest. Two distinct systeras appear to have been 
determined on in the British cabinet; one, having for its object the in¬ 
vasion of the sea coast, and the other, the protection of Canada, and 
the conquest of so much of the adjoining territory as might guard that 
province from future danger. To effect these objects, 
fourteen thousand men, who had fought under the Duke troops sent over, 
of Wellington, were embarked at Bordeaux for Canada; 
and, at the same time, a strong naval force, with an adequate number 
of troops, was directed against the maritime frontier of the United 
States, to maintain a strict blockade, and ravage the whole coast from 
Maine to Georgia. 

The idea had hitherto prevailed among the British, that the northern 
states might easily be induced to break off their alliance with the other 
states, and again become a part of their empire ; while they considered 
the southern states as being more firmly attached to the government, 
and consequently more difficult to subdue.* Hence the northern sea- 
coast experienced little molestation until the spring of British ascend 
1814, when the British here commenced their system of Connecticut 

. river. 

warfare, by ascending the Connecticut river to Petti- -- 

paug, otherwise called Essex, where they destroyed shipping, to the 
value of two hundred thousand dollars. 


SECTION IX. 

General Brown, conducting, as has been related, 2,000 of the army 
of Gen. Wilkinson, from French Mills towards the Niagara frontier, 
stopped at Sackett’s Harbour. Here his force consisted of two bri¬ 
gades ; the first, under Gen. Scott, the second, under Gen. Ripley. 
These able officers were diligently occupied during the first part of the 
campaign in disciplining their troops, and preparing them for action. 

* On this subject, we bring a British historian to speak for Iris nation. “ After the fall of 
Napoleon, it was held in this counti-y,” says Baines, “ with a lamentable ignorance of the real 
state of the feelings and energies of the United States, that Britain, so long the undisputed 
mistress of the ocean, would soon be able to sweep from the seas the ships of America; and 
that those troops, which had acquired so much glory when contending with the veteran 
armies of Europe, would no sooner show themselves on the western side of the Atlantic, 
than the panic-struck soldiers of the United States would be driven far within their own 
frontiers. These pleasing illusions were heightened by the hope, that England would soon 
be able to dictate peace in the capital of the republic; or at least, that the splendour of 
British triumphs, and the pressure of American embarrassments, would induce and encou - 
rage the inhabitants of the northern states, to form a separate government, under the pro¬ 
tection of tlie crown of Great Britain, if not actually under tlie sway of her sceptre.” 




376 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1814. 


In June, Gen. Brown marched his army to Buffalo, expecting to in¬ 
vade Canada. Here were added to his army Towson’s artillery, and 
a corps of volunteers, commanded by Gen. Porter, making, in the 
July. whole, about 3,500 men. On the second and third of 
General Brown July, they crossed the Niagara, and immediately invested 

crosses the Nia- . ^ * inn 

gara, and takes lort Erie, where the garrison, amounting to 100 men, 
fort Erie . _ surrendered without resistance. 

On the 4th, the brigade under Gen. Scott, with Townson’s artillery, 
advanced from fort Erie along the bank of the Niagara, to where it is 
intersected by a small brook, called Street’s Greek, which falls into the 
river from the southwest. Here, being within a mile and a half of the 
enemy, he halted. Gen. Brown, with the remaining brigade, arrived at 
the same place at midnight, and Gen. Porter, with the volunteers, at 
sunrise. The British, 3,000 strong, commanded by Gen. Riall, occu¬ 
pied a strong position at the mouth of the Chippewa. These were a 
portion of the troops, which, as has been remarked, since the pacifica¬ 
tion of Europe, Great Britain had sent to conquer America. The 
camp of the Americans being annoyed by flying parties of the enemy, 
Gen. Porter, with 800 volunteers and Indians, and 80 regulars, under 
Capt. M’Donald, by the orders of Gen. Brown, advanced from the rear, 
and taking a southerly direction along the creek, surprised and at¬ 
tacked a body of Indians, about two miles from the American camp. 
The Indians retreated, skirmishing towards the British entrenchment. 
Tlie noise of the firing brought a large reinforcement to the Indians ; 
and the enemy, in their turn, obliged Gen. Porter, after a warm engage¬ 
ment, to retire. 

July 5. found that the main body of the British 

Battle of Chip- were advancing, and Gen. Brown put his whole camp 

- -^- in motion. Gen. Ripley was sent to the left, to the aid 

of Gen. Porter, while Gen. Scott, crossing the creek, drew up his bri¬ 
gade in order of battle, to receive the charge of the king’s regiment, 
and that of the royal Scots. They outnumbered the republican troops 
more than one third ; and they were the veterans who had fought by 
the side of Wellington, and conquered the conqueror of Europe ; and 
of whom many of the English had predicted, that they would recolo- 
nize America. The officers and soldiers of the republic had, at the 
most, but two years’ experience ; and many of them had never before 
been in battle. Here then they met in fair and open fight, arm to 
arm and breast to breast. 

Gen. Scott led on his men, while his officers nobly seconded his he¬ 
roic exertions. The conflict was bloody ; but the genius of America 
prevailed, and showed to Europe, that man does not dwindle on her 
plains. The veterans gave way, and retreated; Scott pursued, defeat¬ 
ing them at every point, until at length their retreat being changed to a 




1814.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


377 


disorderly rout, they sought the shelter of their entrenchments. So 
decisive had been the movements of Gen. Scott, that the enemy were 
totally defeated before the brigade of Gen. Ripley was brought into ac¬ 
tion. Gen. Brown now ordered up the artillery to batter their works ; 
but the day was spent, and their batteries appeared so strongly fortified, 
that he desisted from the attempt, drew ofi* his forces, and returned to 
his camp. 

In this engagement. Col. Gordon, of the royal Scots, and Col. the 
Marquis of Tweedale, late aid-de-camp to the duke of Wellington, were 
both severely wounded. The loss of the enemy in killed, wounded, 
and prisoners, was 514; that of the Americans, 328. 

In the meantime, a large body of British troops, commanded by Gen. 
Drummond, were situated at the head of lake Ontario, near Burlington 
Heights, and at York. Soon after the battle of Chippewa, Gen. Riall 
fell back to fort George. On the 10th of July, the American camp 
was removed from Street’s Creek to Queenstown, and from thence 
Gen. Brown marched to invest fort George ; but finding cen.Brown falls 
unexpected difficulties, he retired from that position, and back to Chippe- 

on the 23d, took post at Chippewa. He had, however, -- 

previously sent his wounded and heavy baggage across the strait to 
Schlosser, near the falls, intending at the time, to advance upon the 
enemy at Burlington Heights. The British, stung by their defeat at 
Chippewa, were making vigorous exertions to retrieve the fortune of 
the war; and Gen. Drummond, with all the forces from Burlington and 
York had marched to fort George. Kingston and Prescott had also 
sent their forces across lake Ontario to the same point. An army of 
about five thousand, including fifteen hundred militia and Indians, was 
thus collected, to oppose the force of Gen. Brown, which, instead of 
augmenting, had been lessened, by the desertion of the Indians. 

The army, under Gen. Drummond, advanced, and, on 
the morning of the 25th, Gen. Brown received informa- BattS Bridge- 

tion from Gen. Swift, who had the care of the wounded, _ 

that they were at Queenstown, and that a detachment 
threatened his stores at Schlosser. At this intelligence, Gen. Brown 
sent Gen. Scott, with his brigade and Capt. Towson’s artillery, to make 
a movement on the Queenstown road, as if to attack the enemy, and 
thus divert their attention from his stores. Gen. Scott lefl the camp at 
four in the afternoon, moved along the river, and passed the grand ca¬ 
taract, in ignorance that the enemy were near. Hfiving proceeded a 
short distance beyond the falls, he learned that the British army, in 
great force, were encamped behind a wood, only a few hundred yards 
to the north, and that they intended to attack the Americans the next 
day. Scott immediately transmitted this intelligence to his comman¬ 
der, and moved rapidly forward through the wood, till he perceived th« 




^ 378 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1814. 


British strongly posted on an eminence defended by nine pieces of aiv 
“ tillery. He halted, and 'drew up his men in order of battle, on a level 
ground near Lundy’s lane, and in front of the British position. The 
artillery under Towson commenced a brisk cannonade, which was re¬ 
turned by the British battery. A warm engagement commenced, and 
the heroes of Chippewa stood for more than an hour, and maintained 
the unequal contest, against a force seven times their number. The 
British general, probably ignorant of their real situation, did’ not put 
forth his strength, or he might have surrounded and crushed the valiant 
Americans. In this case, a heavy censure would have fallen on their 
commander, for his temerity in bringing on the action. As it is, he has 
been charged with wasting the blood of his countrymen; but that blood 
was not wasted, which served to make the rights of his country re¬ 
spected, by blotting out from her escutcheon the stain of cowardice, 
with which too many of the early transactions of this war had tar- 
nished it. It was late in the afternoon when this engagement com¬ 
menced. The sun had now gone down, and darkness came on. It 
must have been dark indeed to this gallant band, for whom no rein¬ 
forcement appeared. They still, however, maintained the battle, al¬ 
though an officer reminded the general, that the rule for retiring was 
accomplished, since more than one-fourth of his number were killed or 
wounded, among whom were many of his officers. The brave Colonel 
Brady had been the first to form his regiment, and on that the loss fell 
heaviest. Himself twice wounded, he was entreated by those who ob¬ 
served him pale from the loss of blood, to quit the field; “ Not while I 
can stand,” was the reply, worthy of Leonidas. At that critical mo¬ 
ment, when these brave men were nearly overpowered, a reinforcement 
appeared. Gen. Ripley had been ordered to form his brigade, on the 
skirt of a wood to the right of Gen. Scott. But, finding that this position 
was not favourable for annoying the enemy, he took the responsibility 
of moving nearer to them before he formed. For this purpose, he was 
about to pass the brigade of Scott, but coming between him and the 
enemy, he found that he was suffering severely from their cannon. 
Ripley then conceived the bold thought of storming the formidable bat¬ 
tery. “ Col. Miller,” said he, “ will you take yonder battery ?” “ I’ll 
try,” said that heart of oak, and, at the head of the twenty-first regi¬ 
ment, he calmly took his course, marched up to the mouth of the bla¬ 
zing cannon, around which the enemy had rallied, bayoneted the men 
while firing, and possessed himself of their guns. Ripley had moved 
at the same time, at the head of the 23d regiment, to the attack of the 
infantry, and drove them from the eminence, which was the key of their 
position. Here Ripley formed his brigade. Gen. Porter, with his vo¬ 
lunteers, was on the right, and the artillery of Towson in the centre. 
•The enemy, mortified and enraged, rallied in their might, and advanced 



T^ATTI.E OF liKIDOF.-VVATICR. 

Ilipley inijiiireg of IMOler if tip can take yonder Urltifl) lialtPiy, and receives the follow¬ 
ing laconic, ansrver—“I’ll irj." 






























✓ 






t 


•> 


i 


\ 




REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


379 


1814.] 

to regain their position and artillery. The Americans perceived that 
the foe was coming on, but could not distinctly ascertain from what 
point. The moon had risen, but dark clouds were in the heavens, and 
her light was fitful. Sounds came indistinctly mingled from every 
quarter. The roaring of the cataract, the shrieks and groans of the 
wounded and dying, the discharge of artillery, were all heard, as well 
as the rush of the enemy’s attack. In this situation, Ripley gave his 
troops the order to wait till the enemy’s bayonets touched their own, 
and take aim by the light from the discharge of their muskets. The 
aim of the Americans was good, and numbers of their brave enemy 
fell. They closed up their ranks, and came on with the bayonets. The 
republicans stood the charge, and sturdily pushed back the thrust. For 
twenty minutes this deadly strife continued, when the veterans of Wel¬ 
lington retreated in disorder. Three times in the course of that bloody 
night, the same scene was repeated. Four times were the British met 

with the bayonet, and repulsed. At length, about mid- . 

. ^ ® ' Americans are 

night, they relinquished the conflict, leaving their posi- victorious. 

tion and artillery to the Americans. 

Although the brunt of battle was on the eminence, other efforts were 
making in different parts of the field. ^ The brigade of Gen. Scott, shat¬ 
tered as it was, having formed anew, was not content to look idly on, 
w'hile their brethren, wdio had stepped between them and death, were 
now bleeding in their turn. Gen. Scott charged at their head, through 
an opening in Ripley’s line ; but in the confusion and darkness of the 
scene, he passed between the fires of the combatants. He afterwards 
engaged in the battle, taking his post on Gen. Ripley’s left. In another 
quarter. Col. Jessup, wdth only two hundred men, advanced upon the 
enemy, brought them to close action, drove them from the ground, and 
captured Gen. Riall, with other officers and soldiers, to an amount al¬ 
most equal to his own. 

In this sanguinary contest, the total loss of the British was eight 
hundred and seventy-eight. Generals Drummond and Riall -were 
among the w'ounded. The Americans lost, in killed, wounded, and 
missing, eight hundred and sixty. Of these, eleven officers were killed, 
among whom w'ere 3Iaj. M’Farland and Capt. Ritchie. Fifty-six offi¬ 
cers were wounded, among whom were generals Brown and Scott; it 
was not, however, until towards the close of the action, that the two 
generals, highest in command, were disabled. Gen. Brown, on re¬ 
ceiving his wound, gave notice to Gen. Ripley, that he was left in com¬ 
mand, but ordered him to collect the wounded, remove the artillery^ 
and retire to the camp at Chippewa. Unfortunately, the Americans 
lost the trophies of their hard-earned victory, a5 no means of removing 
the captured artillery were at hand; and Gen. Ripley was obliged to 
leave it upon the field of battle. The British, on learning that the 



380 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1814. 


Arnerioans had abandoned the field, re-occupied it immediately; and 
taking advantage of this circumstance, their officers, in their despatches 
to their government, claimed the victory.* 

The American army, now reduced to 1,600, retired to fort Erie, and 
proceeded to entrench themselves strongly in that position. The ene¬ 
my, to the number of 5,000, followed them ; and on the 4th of August, 
commenced a regular siege. On the 5th, Gen. Gaines 

Aug. 4. arrived at Erie from Sackett’s Harbour, and took the 

Fort Erie be- ... \ I • 

sieged. command. Anticipating an attack, the Americans pre¬ 

pared themselves to receive it. 

On the morning of the 15th, the enemy advanced in 
three columns, commanded by Colonels Drummond, 
and^L r^p£d. Fischer, and Scott; the columns to the right and left re- 

- peatedly attacked, and were as often repulsed. The 

centre column, under Drummond, after a sanguinary conflict, succeeded 
in scaling the walls, and taking possession of a bastion. While this 
savage man was denying mercy to the conquered Americans,f from 
some cause not well understood, a barrel of powder beneath him was 
ignited. There was a sudden crash, and bastion, assailants, and as- 

* In writing this sketch, nothing has pained me so much as being obliged to pass over the 
names of individuals, who, from their gallant conduct, well deserve a place in the annals 
of their country. In the present instance, I hope I may be pardoned for obeying the im¬ 
pulse of private friendship, by devoting a few lines to the memory of an individual, who is 
not entitled from his rank, or any peculiarity in his achievements, to a place in so brief a 
sketch as that to which I am confined. 

Lieut. Humphrey Webster, a native of New Hampshire, was a graduate of Middlebury 
College. So great was his zeal for his country’s service, that although unblemished in cha¬ 
racter, respectable in connexions, and beloved by his friends, he enlisted as a private soldier, 
in 1812. He rose by his good conduct, until he was made a lieutenant. He was in Gen. 
Ripley’s brigade, (I know not in what regiment,) at the awful night scene of Lundy’s Lane. 
He was left upon the field, and reported among the slain. The mother had wept for her son, 
the family were clad in sable, and his classmates were preparing to pay honours to the va¬ 
liant dead. Looking from the window of my house, in which he had been a resident, I saw a 
tall, emaciated, and ghastly form approaching, which, for one superstitious moment, I thought 
was the spirit of Webster.—It was Webster himself. From him I received a particular 
description of that horrible night. He remembered that he was fighting—then there was a 
blank in his recollection. He opened his eyes—it was morning, and the dead were lying 
around him. He was reclining against a tree, and some unknown hand had staunched and 
Ijound up his wounds, which were on his neck and near his ear. The Indians appeared in 
the field, and began to scalp and plunder the dead. A savage observed him, and with an 
uplifted tomahawk, approached, to deprive him of the little remains of life. Webster im- 
jnediately comprehended what was his situation, and saved his life by a presence of mind 
by whiph, had he lived, he might have aided in some critical moment, to save his country. He 
passed himself upon the Indian for a British officer. “ Are you a British Indian 2” “ Then,” 
said he, in a stem tone of command, “ carry me instantly to the British camp.” The awed 
savage obeyed the mandate. He was kindly treated, and when so far restored, as to be able 
to visit his friends, was paroled; but he was never well, and some years afterwards, he 
died in consequence of his wounds. At the time of his death, he was a highly respectable 
Inhabitant of the state of Indiana. 

^ The savage Hrummoad repeatedly cried out, “ Give the damned Yankees no quarter.’^ 


Aug. 15. 

Drummond as- 




1814.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


381 


Bailed, were blown together into the air. Those of the British who sur¬ 
vived, fled in dismay, but their numbers were thinned as they passed 
the American artillery. According to the British official report, their 
loss on this day was 57 killed, of whom were Colonels Scott and Drum¬ 
mond, 319 wounded, and 539 missing. The total loss of the Ameri¬ 
cans was but 84; but among their killed, were Capt. Williams and 
Lieut. Macdonough, both officers of great merit. 

After this repulse, both armies remained in a state of inactivity for 
some time. Gen. Gaines had been wounded by the bursting of a shell, 
and the command again devolved on Gen. Ripley; it was exercised, 
however, but a short time, as Gen. Brown, now recovered from his 
wounds, entered the fort, and resumed his functions. 

The American public had become anxious for the fate Oen. Izard sent 
of their brave defenders, and Gen. Izard, by the order of 

the secretary of war, abandoning a post which, from the - 

arrival of the British troops at Montreal, it was hazardous to leave, 
marched from Plattsburg, with 5,000 men, for their relief. The enemy 
were daily receiving reinforcements, and their works, upon which they 
laboured with great assiduity, grew more and more formidable. Gen. 
Brown, learning that of the three parts into which the British army was 
divided, two were kept at the camp, while the third manned the bat¬ 
teries, determined to make a sortie, with a view of destroying the bat¬ 
teries, and cutting off the brigade on duty. 

On the 17th of September, at twelve o’clock. General 
Porter was ordered to move at the head of his detach- softfe^from'^fort 
ment, by a passage through the wood, penetrate to the Erie, and the de¬ 
enemy’s rear, and fall by surprise upon their right. Col. British works, 
now Gen. Miller, was at the same time directed to ad- 
vance- a short distance, and then conceal his party in. a ravine between 
the fort and the British camp, until Gen. Porter had commenced the 
attack. Gen. Ripley was posted, with a corps of reserve, between the 
bastions of the fort. Gen. Porter, with his men, trod silently and cir¬ 
cuitously along their perilous way, when, arriving at their destined 
point, they rushed upon the enemy, whom they completely surprised. 
In thirty minutes they had taken a block house and two bastions, spiked 
their guns, blown up their magazine, and made prisoners of their gar¬ 
rison ; but the brave Colonels Gibson and Wood had fallen at the head 
of their columns. At the moment of the explosion of the magazine, 
Gen. Miller came up. He had been warned by the firing, that Porter 
had met the enemy. His division was equally brave and successful, 
but in his attack Gen. Davis, of the New-York militia was killed. Gen. 
Ripley arrived with the reserve, in season to share the danger and the 
honour of this well-planned and well-conducted enterprise. Thus in a 
few hours were the enemy deprived of the fruit of forty-seven days’ 




383 


HISTORY OF THE 


[ 1814 . 


labour, of a great quantity of artillery and ammunition, and of 1,000 
men, which was their number of killed, wounded, and prisoners. Gen. 
Miller, on whom the command devolved, secured the prisoners and 
the trophies of the victory, and re-conducted the army to the fort in 
perfect order. But the joy of the victory was diminished, by the loss 
of many brave associates. Eighty-three were killed, 216 wounded, 
and as many missing ; amounting in the whole to not much less than 
one-third of their whole number. After the destruction of his works 
before fort Erie, Gen. Drummond broke up his camp, 
my^retkes! ^nd retired on the night of the 21st, to his entrenchments 
-' behind Chippewa. 

Soon after this, the arrival of Gen. Izard placed the Americans on a 
footing which enabled them again to commence offensive operations; 
and leaving Erie in command of Col. Hindman, Gen. Brown again ad¬ 
vanced towards Chippewa. Near this place, an affair occurred on the 

Oct 20 October, in which Col. Bissel, with a detach- 

Action near * ment of 1,000 men, obtained an advantage over the Mar- 
Chippewa. of Tweedale, who commanded a corps of 1,200; 

took from him a field piece, and obliged him to retire 
with considerable loss, having himself experienced a loss of 67 men. 

During the summer of this year, an expedition was undertaken for 
the purpose of recovering Mackinaw. A part of the squadron on lake 
Erie, had for this object been extended into lake Huron, under the com- 
mand of Com. Sinclair. Major Croghan, accompanied by Captain 
Holmes, left Detroit on the 5th of July. Co-operating with Com. Sin¬ 
clair, they succeeded in destroying the British establishments at St. 
Joseph’s and the Sault de St. Marie, and then proceeded to Mackinaw. 
Unsuccessful at- Croghan landed his troops, but his force was not suffi- 

teinpt to retake cient to reduce the fortress. The attempt was attended 
Mackinaw. • i f ^ 

- With the loss of many brave officers, among whom was 

Captain Holmes. Two vessels, which were left by the Americans to 
prevent supplies arriving at the fort, were blown up by the British. 
Com. Sinclair, however, succeeded in capturing the last of the British 
vessels on the upper lakes. 

On the 22d of October, Gen. M’Arthur left Detroit, 
marching in the direction of the river 

- Thames, he destroyed the British stores at different 

places, and took 150 prisoners, without any loss to his own party, and 
returned to Detroit, on the 27th of November. 






1814.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


383 


SECTION X. 

Ill the early part of the year 1814, Admiral Cockburn confined his 

operations to a predatory warfare upon the shores of the Chesapeake. 

The only protection of the inhabitants was a fleet of gun boats and 

smaller vessels, commanded by Com. Barney. Early in June, several 

skirmishes took place between this flotilla and a part of the enemy’s 

vessels: but the American commander, not being able ^ 

•II Com. Barney 

to cope With the superior torce ot the British, took refuge blockaded in the 

in the Patuxent, and was there blockaded by the British 

admiral. 

As it was now well known that the peace of Paris left unimployed 
a large veteran land force, and an immense navy at the disposal of 
England, there was every reason to expect that she would use it to the 
annoyance of America; nor was there wanting the boasts and threats 
of the English prints to aid this impression. America ought to have 
been up and doing, and all her vulnerable points, as much as possible 
secured: and especially ought her government to have made a reason 
able provision for the safety of her capital. Not that Washington, like 
the great metropolis of an European kingdom, contained the strength 
and wealth of the empire, to invite great exertions on the part of an 
enemy; but from common opinion, to possess the capital of a country, 
as the flag of a ship, is the point of honour. But inexperienced in 
war, the government committed an error, which, recorded by the his. 
toriein, stands as a beacon to their successors. 

The administration were not, however, inattentive to the object of 
defending Washington, and the adjacent city of Baltimore, but their 
measures were inefficient. The national territory had been previously 
divided into nine military districts. A tenth was now formed, embra¬ 
cing Maryland, the District, of Columbia, and a part of Virginia. On 
the 4th of July, a requisition was made, by the president, upon the 
governors of these states for ninety-three thousand militia. Of these, 
fifteen thousand were within the limits of the new military district. 
One thousand regulars were also to be added, and thus there was nu¬ 
merically a force of sixteen thousand men at the disposal of Gen. Win¬ 
der, who was appointed to the command. But it was only a fortnight 
previous to the invasion, \Vhich terminated in the cap- state of the 
ture of Washington, that the order, authorizing General force for the de- 
Winder to call for these torces, on the respective states ington. 
which were to furnish them, was received. Time is ne- 
cessarily consumed in tlie tardy operations ot republican governments. 




384 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1814. 


unused to war; and when, on the 20th of August, news arrived that 
the enemy had landed at Benedict on the Patuxent, Gen. Winder had 
not collected more than 3,000 men, and these were unacquainted with 
each other, and mostly unaccustomed to move with regularity, or to 
act in concert. 


Cochrane ar¬ 
rives in the 
Chesapeake. 


On the 17th of August, the British fleet in the Chesa¬ 
peake was greatly augmented by the arrival of Admiral 
Cochrane, who had been sent out with a large land force, 
commanded by Maj. Gen. Ross, in pursuance of the resolution which 
had been taken by the British government, “ to destroy and lay waste 
such towns and districts upon the coast, as might be found assailable.” 
This formidable fleet was divided into three parts, one of which, carry¬ 
ing Gen. Ross, and commanded by Admiral Cochrane, proceeded up 
the Patuxent; one, under Capt. Gordon, ascended the Potomac ; and 
the third, under Sir Peter Parker, went further up the Chesapeake, as 
if to threaten Baltimore. 

British land and 19th, Gen. Ross landed at Benedict, with 5,000 

ascend the Pa- infantry : on the 20th, he commenced his march, keep- 

- ing along the right bank of the Patuxent. His object 

was, in the first instance, to co-operate with Admiral Cockburn, in the 
destruction of Com. Barney’s squadron, which that admiral had for 
some time been blockading. On the 22d, the expedition reached Pig 
Point, and descried the broad pendant of the American flotilla. They 
Americans de- instantly advanced to the attack ; but on their approach, 
stroy their own Americans abandoned their fleet, and sixteen out of 

- the seventeen boats, of which it was composed, were 

blown into the air. Com. Barney, no longer able to secure them, thus 
prevented their falling into the hands of the enemy. The British were 
now distant only sixteen miles from Washington. 

On the afternoon of the 20th of August, when Gen. Winder was ap¬ 
prised of the danger of the capital, he left it with his force and advanced 
towards the enemy. On the 22d, the main body of his army being en¬ 
camped about half way from Marlborough to Washington, a detach¬ 
ment under Major Peter met, and annoyed the enemy at Marlborough. 
On this day. Com. Barney united his marines with the army. On the 
Retreating poll- ^^d, the British rested only five miles from 

cy of the Arne- the American camp. The president of the United States, 
rican troops. , 

- the secretary ot war, and some oi the other heads of de¬ 
partment, here visited Gen. Winder, and it was resolved to fall back 


nearer to the capital, for the purpose of concentrating the American 
force, or, as is suggested by some, from fear of a night attack. The 
same retreating policy was pursued, until Gen. Winder had re-crossed 
the eastern branch of the Potomac. Here he made provisions for 
guarding the bridge, it being supposed the enemy would attempt the 






1814.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


385 


capital from this point. In the meantime, the militia from Baltimore, 
under Gen. Stansbury, advanced to the relief of Washington. These, 
to the number of 2,200, including a company of artillery, rested on the 
night of the 23d near Bladensburg. Being under orders to join Gen. 
Winder, they commenced their march on the morning of the 24th. 
But it was now discovered, that although Gen, Winder, or those under 
whose direction he acted, had carefully set a trap at the great bridge on 
the east branch, the British commander did not choose to fall into it, 
but had taken for safety a more circuitous route, and was marching 
past Washington, to gain the Bladensburg road on the north. On his 
march for Washington, Gen. Stansbury met the order of Gen. Winder 
to retrace his steps to Bladensburg, and there give battle to the enemy. 
Almost exhausted by fatigue and the heat of the season, he obeyed the 
order. On his march he was met by Col. Monroe, secretary of state, 
who had been scouring the adjacent country for volunteers. He pro¬ 
posed to Stansbury his making a movement to get in the enemy’s rear; 
but that general being under orders to the contrary, did not feel a 
liberty to follow this judicious counsel. About noon he 
met the enemy near Bladensburg. Gen. Winder soon 
came up with the main body. The president and heads densburg, in 
of department were on the field, but as the event of the dsh^are^iao* 

day was doubtful, and they had probably documents of _ 

importance to secure, all left it about the time the action 
commenced, except Col. Monroe, who was active in forming and bring¬ 
ing forward the cavalry of General Stansbury. A contest ensued, in 
which, as might have been expected from the condition of the Ameri¬ 
can troops, the British were victorious. Com. Barney, with his little 
band of marines, fought valiantly, and for some time held the enemy 
in check; but he was at length wounded and made prisoner. The re¬ 
gulars and militia of the District of Columbia stood their ground for a 
time, but at length left the field and retreated towards Washington. 
They were now joined by fresh militia from Virginia, and upon the 
heights they formed again, and once more interposed a barrier between 
Washington and its invaders. But on surveying their numbers, wasted 
by the flight of many timid, and the fall of a few brave men, they were 
found inadequate to the task of its defence; and with anguish they 
heard the order to retire, and leave the capital of their country to the 
mercy of her enemies. 

Gen. Ross entered Washington at eight in the even- 

° ° plunder Wash¬ 

ing, and with that barbarism which distinguished the mgton. 

Goths and Vandals of the middle ages, but which is un- 
known to civilized warfare, he disgraced himself and his country in the 
eyes of Europe and America, by destroying the monuments of taste 
and literature, with which the young republic had embellished her 

49 




386 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1814. 


chosen seat. The British commenced with destroying the capitol, 
which was in an unfinished state, the extensive library, public records, 
and whatever else of value it contained. The public offices and the 
president’s house were wantonly sacrificed, together with many private 
dwellings. The public stores at the navy yard, and the vessels on the 
stocks, Avere burned by order of the president, to prevent their falling 
into the hands of the invaders. The elegant bridge across the Poto¬ 
mac was also destroyed. The loss of public property alone amounted 
to one million of dollars. The British left Washington on the evening 
of the 25th, and proceeded without any opposition to their ships, which 
they reached on the evening of the 27th. 

The loss of the Americans, in the battle of Bladensburg, was 30 
killed and 50 wounded ; that of the enemy, 249 in killed and wounded. 
Their loss during this expedition, amounted to 400 killed and wounded, 
besides 500, who were taken prisoners, or deserted. 

Had the British confined themselves to the capture and destruction 
of public property appropriated to warlike purposes, the glory of their 
conquest would have been untarnished. The Americans would have 
felt deeply their humiliation, and the resentment of the nation might, 
as was expected in England, have fallen heavily upon the public ser¬ 
vants ; but the manner in which the advantage was used, produced, in 
the minds of the people, a stern vindictive feeling against the conque¬ 
rors, which swallowed up all minor resentments, and united the nation, 
not in a wish for peace, but in high resolves for war. 

Aug. 27. meantime, the squadron, under Capt. Gordon, 

capkuMe^ passed up the Potomac without opposition, and appeared 
- before Alexandria, on the 27th of August. The inhabi¬ 
tants entered into a capitulation, by which they delivered up their mer¬ 
chandize and shipping to the enemy, who, laden with a rich booty, re¬ 
turned to the ocean, though not without being much annoyed from the 
shore as they passed. 

The squadron which had sailed up the Chesapeake, under Sir Peter 
Parker, landed about 250 marines, for the purpose of surprising 200 
militia, who were encamped near Bellair, under Col. Reed. They were 
repulsed with the loss of 41 m killed and wounded. Sir Peter Parker 
was mortally wounded. 

Admiral Cochrane having received on board his fleet the elated con¬ 
querors of Washington, the combined land and.sea forces moved in the 
The British pro- confidence of victory to the attack of Baltimore. After 

ceed to Balti- passing down the Patuxent, they ascended the Chesa- 
inore. i i n ^ 

- peake, and on the 11th of September, appeared at the 

mouth of the Patapsco, fourteen miles from Baltimore. On the morn- 
ing of the 12th, Gen. Ross, with an army amounting to about 5,000, 
debarked at North Point, and commenced his march towards the citv. 




1814.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


387 


Gen. Smith commanded the whole force of the defenders. Watch¬ 
ing the movements of the enemy, he despatched about 2,300 men, un¬ 
der Gen. Strieker, who, on the 11th, marched towards North Point. 
They halted at night seven miles from the city. On the morning of the 
12th, information was received of the landing of the enemy, and Gen. 
Strieker advanced to meet them. A skirmish between the advanced par- 
ties ensued, in which Gen. Ross was killed. The com- Sept. 12. 
mand then devolved on Col. Brooke, who, having the in- Battle near Bal- 

structions of Gen. Ross, continued to move forward. An -^- 

action commenced at about half past three, by a discharge of cannon 
on both sides. After maintaining the contest for some time, the Ameri¬ 
cans gave way, and Gen. Strieker retired behind the entrenchments 
on the heights, where Gen. Smith was stationed with the main army. 

On the morning of the 13th, the British army advanced within a mile 
and a half of the entrenchments; and in order to draw forth the Ame¬ 
ricans, they made several manoeuvres, which were so met by Gen. 

< Smith, that they could not obtain their object; but, on the contrary, 
the republicans maintained the advantage of ground and position. Col. 
Brooke was aware that they were superior to him in numbers as well 
as position ; he therefore made no attempt upon them during the day, 
but disposed his troops for a night attack. In the evening, he received 
a communication from Admiral Cochrane, the comman¬ 
der of the naval forces, informing him that fort M’Henry , 

^ 11, r 1 British repulsed 

had resisted all his efforts, and that the entrance ot the at fort M’Henry. 

harbour was blocked up by vessels sunk for that pur- 

pose, and that a naval co-operation against the town and camp, was 

impracticable. Col. Brooli;e resolved therefore not to hazard an attack, 

but moved off in the night, and, on the the 15th, re-embarked at North 

Point. 

Great was the joy of the inhabitants of Baltimore, at the success 
of their efforts for the preservation of their city ; and the warmest gra¬ 
titude was manifested to those whose vigorous exertions had saved them 
from the dreaded invasion. Among these the gallant defenders of fort 
M’Henry were particularly remembered. 

The harbours of New-York, New London, and Boston, continued to 
be closely blockaded. The humanity of Com. Hardy, the British 
commander on that station, in his incursions into the interior, affords 
a striking contrast to the brutality of Admiral Cockburn, and the 
squadron in the Chesapeake. In some cases, however, but contrary 
to his orders, private property was destroyed by parties of officers and 
marines. 

On the 11th of July, Com. Hardy, with eight ships ^ 
and 2,000 men, made a descent upon the coast of Maine, Com. Hardy 
and without resistance, took possession of Eastport and makes a descent 




388 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1814. 


upon the coast all the towns on the west side of Passamaquoddy bay. 
o Maine. Many of the inhabitants remained, but it was on the de¬ 
grading condition of acknowledging themselves the subjects of Great 
Britain. 

In August, the governor of New Brunswick, with the 
portion of Marne Admiral Griffith, undertook an expedition to the 

- Penobscot river. They took possession of Castine, 

which had been previously evacuated, and proceeded up the river to 
Hamden, where the frigate John Adams had been placed for preserva- 
tion. The militia who had been stationed for its defence, fled on their 
approach, and the frigate was blown up, to prevent its falling into the 
hands of the British. A proclamation was issued by the council of 
New Brunswick, declaring the country east of the Penobscot in posses¬ 
sion of the king of Great Britain; and a direct communication was 
opened between New Brunswick and Canada. The British continued 
to occupy this section of Maine until the close of the war. 

Aug 9 Early in August, the enemy’s ships under Commodore 

British attack Hardy, appeared before Stonington, in Connecticut, and 
areTeptYsed!^^^ threatened its destruction. They commenced a severe 


attack, but were repulsed by a battery of two eighteen 
pounders, and a small band of militia. They then proceeded to an¬ 
other part of the town, which they expected to find defenceless ; but 
here the well directed fire of a six pounder, forced them to return to 
their ships. They bombarded the place during the night, and in the 
morning renewed the attack; but finding it so gallantly defended, at 
the end of three days the Commodore retired. 


SECTION XL 

TheBritishforce DuEiNG the months of July and August, the British 
«rease(L ^ army in Canada was augmented by another considerable 

- body of those troops, who had, under Lord Wellington, 

acquired experience and reputation in the war of the Spanish penin- 
sula. With these troops. Sir George Prevost determined to invade 
America, by the same route, that Burgoyne had formerly pursued, and, 
as is supposed by some, with the same expectation of being able to pe- 
netrate by the way of lake Champlain and Hudson river, to New-York. 
Like that general too, his hopes were sanguine, that if he appeared in 
force in the country the inhabitants would join him; and it is said that 
a part of his baggage, like that of Burgoyne, consisted of arms and 






1814] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


389 


clothing, for those whom he expected would flock to his standard. The 
American smugglers, who wished to court the favour of the British, had 
encouraged these hopes, which the republican party accused the fede¬ 
ralists of having excited. 

The army at Plattsburg had been reduced by the de¬ 
parture of Gen. Izard for fort Erie, and Sir George Pre- 
vost seized this opportunity for making the projected in¬ 
vasion. Having concentrated his force on the frontier 
of Canada, he entered the American territory on the 3d of September. 
From Champlain, he issued a proclamation, giving the assurance that 
his arms would only be directed against the government, and those who 
supported it; while no injury should be done to the peaceful and unof¬ 
fending inhabitants. The fire of genuine patriotism kindled in the 
breasts of the Americans, when they heard that the foot of the invader 
pressed the soil of their country, and that he had dared to call on the 
people to separate themselves from their government. The inhabi¬ 
tants of the northern part of New-York, and the hardy sons of the 
Green Mountains, without distinction of party, rose in arms, and has- 
tened towards the scene of action. 

A different disposition, however, prevailed among a few individuals 
of the federal party, in Vermont; and, unhappily, among these was the 
governor, who belonged to the federal party—a well meaning man, but 
too much under the influence of others. Stationing himself at Burling¬ 
ton, he endeavoured to dissuade the volunteers from crossing to Platts- 
burg, stating that Gen. Macomb did not need their services. In con¬ 
sequence of these representations, some were actually returning. At 
the solicitation of Col. Fasset, of the regular army, a special messen¬ 
ger crossed to Plattsburg, to obtain a written request for their services 
from Gen. Macomb. Gen. Strong, a federalist, and a highly respecta¬ 
ble farmer and country gentleman, was at Burlington earnestly urged 
by the governor and his friends, not to embark in the enterprise ; but 
persisting in his purpose, he crossed to Plattsburg, where he was chosen 
to command the volunteers* These measures of the governor and his 
advisers were exceedingly unpopular with the people. 

In the meantime. Sir George Prevost, at the head of They advance 
14,000 troops, marching in two columns, advanced upon to Plattsburg. 
Plattsburg. One column, with all* the baggage and ar¬ 
tillery, proceeded by the lake road, and the other, under the command 
of Gen. Brisbane, by Beekmantown. Major Appling, with his corps 
of riflemen, and Major Sproul, with a detachment of the 13th regiment 
of infantry, were ordered on the lake road, to check the advance of the 
enemy; which they endeavoured to do, by destroying bridges and fell¬ 
ing trees in the road. On the 4th and 5th of September, the British ad¬ 
vanced on both roads, and the column under Gen. Brisbane encamped 


Sept. 3. 

They enter the 
American terri¬ 
tory. 




390 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1814. 


on the Beekmantown road, eight miles from Plattsburg, and two miles 
from the position of Gen. Mooers, who had 700 militia under his com¬ 
mand. On the nights of the 5th and 6th, Gen. Macomb ordered Major 
Wool, with two hundred and thirty regulars, to join Gen, Mooers, and 
to give support to the militia, in retarding the advance of the enemy. 
At the dawn of day, Gen. Brisbane broke up his encampment, and re¬ 
sumed his line of march for Plattsburg. He was met by Major Wool, 
about seven miles from the latter place. A skirmish ensued, but in 
consequence of the superior force of the British, he w'as compelled to 
retreat, not, however, without disputing every inch of ground to Platts¬ 
burg, killing and wounding one hundred and twenty of the enemy; 
among whom was Lieut. Col. Wellington. Maj. Wool lost forty-five in 
killed and wmunded. Sir George arrived in the course of the morn¬ 
ing, with the main column, and encamped his whole army before 


Plattsburg. 

Situation of the situation of Gen. Macomb was critical in the ex 

American army treme. His whole regular force did not exceed 2,000, 

-:- and his fortifications were merely a show of defence. 

Had Sir George pursued Maj. Wool across the Saranac, on the morn¬ 
ing of the Gth, he no doubt could have taken with ease the forts occu¬ 
pied by Gen. Macomb and his army. Prevost has been censured for 
this delay, which gave his enemy time to increase his force ; but the 
British commander, expecting that a part of the inhabitants would 
unite with him, calculated that his own army would also be augmented. 
Preferring to wait until the two fleets should have settled the question of 
the supremacy of the lake, he contented himself with erecting batteries 
to aid in what he considered certain—the capture of Gen. Macomb 
and his army. 

On the morning of the 11th of September, Sir George formed his 
army in two columns, preparatory to an assault. One column passed 
the Saranac, and placed itself in the rear of the American position, 
while the other was in the village in front, ready to advance whenever 
the order might be given, or circumstances might justify. Such was 
the position of the army, when the British fleet made its appearance in 
the bay of Plattsburg. It was commanded by Com. Downie, and com¬ 
posed of a frigate of thirty-nine guns, named the Confiance, a brig of 
sixteen, two sloops of eleven, and* several gallies, mounting, in the 
whole, ninety-five guns, and having 1,000 men. The American squad¬ 
ron, under Com. Macdonough, which was anchored in the bay, mounted 
no more than eighty-six guns, and had only 820 men. It consisted of 
the Saratoga, carrying twenty-six guns ; the Eagle, of twenty guns ; the 
Ticonderoga, of seventeen ; the Preble, of seven, and ten gallies. 

The enemy, having the advantage of choice of position, anchored 
within three hundred yards of the American line, and at 9 o’clock, com 



1814.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


391 


menced the action. The Confiance was opposed to the Saratoga, the 
enemy’s brig to the Eagle ; one sloop assisting their brig and ship, 
while the Saratoga and Eagle were supported by one division of the 
gallies; the remaining division being opposed to the schooner, sloop, 
and thirteen gallies of the enemy. The surface of the lake was un¬ 
ruffled, and for one hour and a half, the Saratoga and 
Confiance poured upon each other a most destructive Sept. 11. 
fire, while the smaller vessels commenced a close and fleet are victo- 
spirited action. The Eagle then cut her cable, and pass- British on^/ake 
ing between the Ticonderoga and Saratoga, increased Champlain, 
the danger of the American commodore, by leaving him 
exposed to a heavy fire from the enemy’s brig. His guns were dis¬ 
mounted, or had become unmanageable ; when, by the skilful manoeu¬ 
vre of winding his ship, which Com. Downie vainly attempted, he 
brought a fresh broadside to bear upon the Confiance ; and she soon 
surrendered. A broadside was then poured upon the brig, which in 
fifteen minutes lowered her colours. The sloop opposed to the Eagle, 
as also that engaged with the gallies, had struck some time before. 
Three gallies belonging to the enemy were sunk, and the remainder 
escaped in a shattered condition. A frigate, brig, and two sloops of 
war, were the trophies of the victory. The action lasted two hours 
and a half, and the shattered appearance of both squadrons, bore wit¬ 
ness to the severity of the conflict. The British loss was eighty.four 
killed, and one hundred and ten wounded ; among the former was Com. 
Downie. The loss of the Americans was fifty-two killed, and fifty- 
eight wounded. 

At the moment of the engagement between the fleets, the British 
opened their land batteries upon the American works, but with little 
effect. They ceased, however, with the victory on the retires 

lake, when Sir George recalled his columns from the from Platisburg. 
contemplated assault, and soon after commenced his re- ■ 

treat towards Canada, leaving behind large quantities of ammunition 
and military stores. The column placed in the rear of the Americans, 
was pursued by Gen. Strong, with his militia, when the soldiers of one 
company were either killed, wounded, or captured. 

Affairs interesting to the belligerents were also transacted on the 
ocean. During the month of April, Com. Porter returned from his 
cruise in the Pacific ocean. He had sailed from the Delaware in the 
autumn of 1812, and after cruizing off the eastern coast 

of South America for some time, he steered for the Pa- noys the British 
1 • 1 .L TT 1 • • n/T 1 1010 commerce in the 

cific ocean, and arrived at Valparaiso in March, lolo. pacific. 

He first proceeded to Lima, and from thence went to the ’ 

Gallipagos islands, where he cruized until October. Here he greatly 

annoyed the British commerce, particularly the whale fishery, cap- 





392 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1814. 

turing, in the whole, twelve armed whale ships, whose aggregate force 
amounted to 107 guns, and 302 men. Of these prizes, the Atlantic 
was equipped with twenty guns, intended chiefly as a store ship, and 
with the name of Essex Junior, given in command to Lieut. Downes. 
With this vessel, Downes conducted the prizes made by Porter, to the 
neutral port of Valparaiso. 

Com. Hiltyar Alarmed by the successes of the Essex, the British 

sent to take For- admiralty had sent out Com. Hillyar, with the Phebe fri- 
ter’s squadron. ^ ^ 

-gate, carrying 53 guns, and a complement of 320 men, 

accompanied by Capt. Tucker, with the Cherub sloop of war, mounting 
28 guns, and having 180 men, making the whole of their force 81 guns 
and 500 men. 

On learning the vicinity of his enemy, by the return of Lieut. Downes, 
Com. Porter steered for the island of Noaheevah, for the purpose of re¬ 
fitting his vessel. He took possession of the island in the name of the 
American government, named it in honour of the president, Madison’s 
Island, and established a friendly intercourse among the natives, whom 
he had found in a state of hostility. Leaving three of his vessels un¬ 
der the charge of Lieut. Gamble, he proceeded to Valparaiso, and 
there, as he expected, met with Com. Hillyar, who had been seeking 
him for five months. The Essex mounted 46 guns, but her crew at 
this time consisted of only 250 men, and the Essex Junior was manned 
by sixty. Finding to his regret, that his force was greatly inferior to 
that of his adversary. Com. Porter remained blockaded in the port for 
six weeks. 

Determined to attempt an escape, the wind being favourable, he set 
sail on the 28th of March, 1814. On rounding the point at the en¬ 
trance of the bay, a sudden squall carried away his maintopmast. The 
enemy gave him chase with both their ships. In his disabled state he 
anchored in a small bay, within pistol shot of the shore, hoping that 
Com. Hillyar would respect the neutrality of the place. Perceiving, 
however, that he continued to approach. Porter made every preparation 
E]ssex attacked power to meet him. The British vessels com- 

oy the enemy, menced the attack ; but so vigorously was it met, that in 
to surrender. the course of half an hour the Phebe and Cherub were 
so much disabled as to retire for repairing damages. 
The crew of the Essex had suffered severely from the hot raking fire 
of the enemy; but they still showed a spirit of brave and determined 
resistance. A tremendous firing was soon renewed. The Phebe be- 
ing enabled to choose her distance, took a station out of the reach of 
the artillery of the Essex, while with her long guns she poured upon 
the American frigate a destructive fire; many of Porter’s guns had all 
their men destroyed, and one was manned three times during the ac¬ 
tion. The American commodore next endeavoured to board his enemy, 




1814,] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


393 


but his masts and rigging were shot away, and his ship had become 
unmanageable. He next determined to run his vessel on shore, land 
his men, and destroy her ; but the wind shifting, he was blown into a 
situation to receive the raking fire of the enemy. His ship caught fire. 
The flames burst out in all directions, and the brave men were threatened 
with instant death, from the explosion of the magazine, near which the 
fire had taken. The boats had been cut to pieces, and the sailors re- 
ceived permission to swim for the shore, but most of them preferred 
remaining with the commander to share the fate of the ship ; the enemy 
still firing upon them. The sailors at length succeeded in extinguish¬ 
ing the flames of the Essex, not, however, until a considerable quantity 
of powder had exploded. With a desperate resolution they again went 
to their guns. Com. Porter now determined to consult his officers on 
the expediency of surrendering, when, to his surprise, Lieut.M’Knight 
was the only remaining officer to be consulted. The commodore then 
struck his colours, but his ship was fired upon for ten minutes after¬ 
wards. Only 75 of the crew of the Essex remained ; the rest were 
killed or wounded. The loss of the enemy was also severe, and both 
vessels were in a sinking state. Com. Porter was sent on parole, in 
the Essex Junior, to the United States, where he was received at New- 
York with distinguished honours. The desperate valour which he dis¬ 
played in this, the most bloody naval action of the war, will give his 
memory to future ages, as a hero of the same sanguinary class with the 
terrible Paul Jones. 

On the 21st of April, the United States’ sloop of war, ^ , 

^ ^ ' Frolick captur- 

Frolic, commanded by Com. Bainbridge, was captured ed. Peacockcap- 

by the Orpheus frigate. On the 29th of the same month, 

the United States’ sloop, the Peacock, of which Captain-— 

Warrington was the commander, captured the British brig Epervier, 
commanded by Capt. Wales. The action took place in latitude 27° 47' 
north, and longitude 30° 9'. During its • continuance, which was 45 
minutes, the Epervier had eight men killed and fifteen wounded, while 
the Peacock escaped without a man killed, and with only two wounded. 

The Wasp, commanded by Capt. Blakely, left Portsmouth, (N. H.) 

on the 18th of May. On the 28th of June, near the entrance to St. 

George’s channel, she fell in with the English brig Rein- • 

° . Wasp captures 

deer, commanded by Capt. Manners. After an action the Reindeer. 

of 19 minutes, the Reindeer having lost her commander 
and purser, and 27 men killed and 42 wounded, and having made two 
unsuccessful attempts to board the Wasp, was herself boarded by the 
American vessel, and forced to strike her colours. She was so much 
injured during the engagement, that the next day she was burned.* The 
Americans lost in the action 26 killed and wounded. 

The Wasp continued her cruise, and after making several captures, 

50 




394 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1814. 


1815. 
Jan. 15. 

Frigate Presi¬ 
dent captured by 
a British fleet. 


put into the port of^L’Orient, in France, on the 8th of July. She re- 
Engages the mained there until the 27th of August, and when four 
Avon, and is days at sea, she met the brig Avon, commanded by Capt. 

--Arbuthnot. After a severe action of 45 minutes, and 

after orders were given to board her, three British vessels appeared in 
sight, and Capt. Blakely was compelled to abandon his prize. The 
Avon sunk soon after he left her. During the remainder of the cruise, 
Capt. Blakely captured fifteen merchant vessels; but he never returned 
to port; nor is it known what was the fate of the vessel and her gal- 
lant crew. 

The last naval battle during the war, ended in the 
loss of the frigate President, then under the command 
of Com. Decatur. Four British vessels were off Sandy 
Hook, blockading the harbour of New-York; the Po- 
mone, the Tenedos, the Majestic, and the Endymion. 
Com. Decatur attempted to put to sea on the 15th of January, 1815 ; 
when they gave chase to his vessel, and after eighteen hours, he was 
brought to an engagement with the Endymion. For two hours and a 
half the action continued, and Decatur had silenced the guns of his 
adversary, when the whole fleet appeared. Having one fifth of his 
crew killed or wounded, and being opposed by a force greatly supe¬ 
rior to his own, he no longer hesitated to surrender. 

In October, communications were received from the American com¬ 
missioners in Europe. Great Britain demanded such terms as extin¬ 
guished the hopes of a speedy reconciliation. The situation of affairs 
in the United States was such as to alarm the friends of their country. 

The expenditure of the nation greatly exceeded its in¬ 
come, its credit was low, its finances disordered, and a 
decided opposition w^as manifested to every measure of 
the administration; yet, undismayed amidst these diffi¬ 
culties, congress shrunk not from the duties which the 
crisis imposed. New loans were authorized, taxes augmented, and 
every preparation made for prosecuting the war with increased vigour. 
Mr. Monroe was appointed secretary of war, in the place of General 
Armstrong. 

The opposition had at this time assumed a bold attitude; some of 
the New England states, as has been related, refused to call out their 
militia, and Massachusetts even proposed to withhold the revenue of the 
state from the general government. A convention of delegates from 
the New England states was proposed, the object of which was, to take 
into consideration the situation of the country, and to decide upon such 
measures as might lead to a redress of supposed grievances. Members 
were appointed by the legislatures of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and 
Rhode Island. Two members from New Hampshire, and one from 


1814. 

Difficult situa¬ 
tion of the Ame¬ 
rican govern¬ 
ment. 





1814.] 


395 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 

Vermont were appointed at county meetings. The convention met at 
Hartford, in Connecticut, on the ISth of December, 1814, 
and sat nearly three weeks, with closed doors. After Meeting of*a 
.their adjournment, they published an address, charging 

the national government with pursuing measures hostile - 

to the interests of New England, and recommending amendments of 
the federal constitution. Among these amendments, it was proposed 
that congress should have no power to lay an embargo for more than 
sixty days, that they should not interdict commercial intercourse, or 
declare war, without the concurrence of two-thirds of both houses; 
that no person, who shall be hereafter naturalized, shall be eligible to 
a seat in the senate or house of representatives, or hold any civil office 
under the government of the United States ; and that the same person 
shall not be twice elected to the office of president of the United States, 
nor the president elected from the same state for two successive terms. 
A resolution was passed, which provided for the calling of another con¬ 
vention, if the United States “ should refuse their consent to arrange¬ 
ments, whereby the New England states, separately, or in concert, 
might be empowered to assume upon themselves, the defence of their 
territory against the enemy, and appropriate therefor, such part of the 
revenue raised in those states as might be necessary.” The committee 
appointed by the convention to communicate these resolves to the go¬ 
vernment of the union, at Washington, met wdth the news of peace. 

The proposed alterations of the constitution were submitted to the 
several states, and rejected by all, except Massachusetts, Rhode Island, 
and Connecticut. Probably there had been no measure taken since 
America was a nation, so odious to the great body of the people of the 
United States, as this convention, or which subjected the agents to such 
a»3vere personal, as well as political censure.* 

* Feeling my prepossessions to be strong against this convention, and aware of the diffi¬ 
culty of writing an impartial history where this is the case, I took tlie liberty of addressing 
a letter to a highly respectable gentlernan, who was a leading member of that body, request¬ 
ing him to write for this history, a short compend of the motives and views which induced 
the Hartford Convention; considering it right that as to motives, all should be allowed 
to speak for themselves. This gentleman, on account of recent family afflictions, declined 
my request. At the same time he made many interesting remarks on the subject, some of 
which were new to me. The following is an extract from his letter. “ The Hartford Con¬ 
vention, far from being the original contrivance of a cabal, for any purpose of faction or dis¬ 
union, was a result, growing by natural consequences out of existing circumstances. More 
than a year previous to its institution, a convention was simultaneously called for by the 
people, in their town meetings, in all parts of Massachusetts. Petitions to that effect w'ere 
accumulated on the tables of the legislative chamber. They were postponed for twelve 
months, by the influence of those who now sustain the odium of the measure. The adoption 
of it was the consequence, not the source of a popular sentiment; and it was intended, by 
those who voted for it, as a safety valve by which the steam arising from the fermentation 



396 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1814. 


SECTION XII. 

» 

Jackson fixes his After the peace with the Creeks, and about the mid- 

quarters at August, Gen. Jackson fixed his head quarters at 

- Mobile. Here he learned that three British ships had 

entered the harbour of Pensacola, and landed about 300 men, under 
Col. Nicholls, together with a large quantity of guns and ammunition, 
for the purpose of arming the Indians. Gen. Jackson also heard that 
the British meditated a descent, with a large force, upon the southern 
shores of the United States. He immediately made a call for the mi¬ 
litia of Tennessee, and was promptly furnished with two thousand men 
by that patriotic state. 

Colonel Nicholls issued from Mobile a proclamation, 
which was addressed to the inhabitants of Louisiana, 
Kentucky, or Tennessee, inviting them to return to their 
allegiance to the British government, and help to restore 
‘.he country to its rightful owner. This proclamation produced no 
other excitement among the people to whom it was addressed, than 
that of their risibles. If this attempt manifested Nicholls to be weak, 
another, which terminated as little to his satisfaction, showed him to 
be wicked. West of the mouth of the Mississippi, the island of Barra- 
taria was the resort of a band of marauders, who, by their daring 
courage, and the celerity and mysterious secrecy of their movements, 
kept the country in a state of perpetual alarm ; now appearing to strike 
some unexpected blow of robbery, perhaps of murder, sometimes by 
sea, sometimes by land; then suddenly disappearing, and constantly 
eluding pursuit. Their numbers were formidable, amounting to five or 
six hundred. Their leader. La Fitte, was subtle and courageous; pos¬ 
sessing traits of magnanimity, yet unprincipled, as must have been the 
chieftain of such a band. They had made a pretence of sailing under 
the Carthagenian flag, as privateers, but their prizes were condemned 
in their own ports. In short, they were by land, robbers ; by sea, pi¬ 
rates. The American authorities, by whom they were outlawed, hav¬ 
ing endeavoured to root them out, applied to the British to lend their 
assistance. Instead of this, Nicholls, disclosing to La Fitte that a pow¬ 
erful attempt was to be made on New Orleans, offered him a large 
reward, if, by his knowledge of the passes, he would aid the British in 
their approach to the threatened city. 


Conduct of Col. 
Nicholls, and 
fharacter of the 
Barratarians. 


of the times might escape, not as a boiler in which it should be generated. Whether good or 
ill, it was a measure of the people, of states, of legislatures. How unjust to brand the un¬ 
willing agents, the mere committee of legislative bodies, with the stigma of facts which were 
first authorized, and than sanctioned by their constituted assemblies.” 




1814.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


397 


La Fitte drew from him important facts, and then dis- La Fine makes 
missing his propositions with disdain, disclosed the whole disclosures to 

to Claiborne, governor of Louisiana. Struck with this -—^ 

act of the bandit’s generosity for a country which had set a price upon 
his head, and perceiving how valuable would be the services of the 
Barratarians in the crisis which was approaching. Gov. Claiborne, by 
a proclamation, offered pardon to the whole band, if they would come 
forward in defence of the country. They joyfully accepted the propo¬ 
sition, and afterwards rendered essential services. 

Jackson had represented to the government, that the Spanish 
were not performing the part of a neutral nation, but were suffering the 
British to use the port of Pensacola for the purpose of annoyance to 
the Americans, and he therefore urged the propriety of their taking it 
into possession during the war. Not having received an answer, he 
determined to hazard the responsibility of taking possession of the port 
without the orders of government. Having received his reinforce¬ 
ments, about the last of October, he marched from Mobile, at the head 
of nearly two thousand men. He arrived in the neighbourhood of 
Pensacola, on the 6th of November, and sent a flag to the governor, 
for the purpose of conference, but his messenger was fired upon. On 
the seventh, he entered the town, at a point where he had not been 
expected. A battery was, however, formed in the street; but this was 
soon carried at the point of the bayonet, and the go- ^ 

vernor capitulated. The British troops destroyed the Pensacola 'sur- 
forts at the entrance of the harbour, and with their ship- to the 

ping evacuated the bay. -- 

Jackson now returned to Mobile. He had received information that 
Admiral Cochrane had been reinforced at Bermuda, and that thirteen 
ships of the line, with transports and an army of ten thousand men, 
were advancing. Believing New Orleans to be their destination, he 
marched for that place, and reached it on foe 1st of December. 

Early in the month of September, the inhabitants of jvew Orleans 
Louisiana were impressed with the belief that the British threatened with 

were about to invade them with a powerful force, and -- 

their principal citizens, among whom were Gov. Claiborne and Edward 
Livingston, Esq. beheld the prospect with well grounded alarm. This 
portion of the union having been but recently annexed, its yeomanry 
felt not the same pride of country as those of the older states. New 
Orleans being assailable from so many points, it was difficult to secure 
it in all. Yet, far from being discouraged by difficulties, these patriotic 
citizens felt them only as stimulants to greater exertions. Gov. Clai¬ 
borne issued his proclamation, calling on the people to arouse for the 
defence of their country and their homes. Mr. Livingston, at a meet¬ 
ing of the citizens, who convened on the 16th of September to devise 





398 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1814. 


measures in co-operation with the government of the state, made an 
eloquent and moving appeal, calling on the inhabitants to prove the as¬ 
sertion a slander, that they were not attached to the American govern¬ 
ment. The people aroused; defences were commenced, to guard the 
principal passes, and volunteer corps were organised. In the mean- 
^ ^ , time, Gen. Jackson arrived, and all classes concurred in 

entrusted with putting him at the head of affairs. His powerful talents, 
invariable success in war, had already made him re- 


- garded, particularly near the seat of his victories, as the 

invincible Alexander of his country, and believing that he could and 
would preserve them in safety, or lead them to victory, the inhabitants 
were content to put all their strength, pecuniary and physical, at his 
disposal. Confident in his own energies, he took, with a firm and un¬ 
wavering step, the perilous post assigned him; satisfied that his own 
breast should be the first to meet the shock which menaced his country. 
He made no calculation how to play his part, so that, in case of success, 
he should have all the honour ; while, in case of failure, he could plead 
some order from a distant superior, or some disobedience of a subordi¬ 
nate, to cover his disgrace. Looking with a single eye to the success 
of his cause, he forgot, for the time, the fatigues, the dangers, and re¬ 
sponsibilities to which he exposed himself. When it was ascertained 
that the enemy, with sixty sail of vessels, were off Ship 
off Ship Island. Island, Jackson forgot no measure which might increase 
his military force, or make it more effective, or that 
put at his disposal more labouring hands, in the building of de¬ 
fences. The motley population of New Orleans, the slaves, the free 
people of colour, Frenchmen, Spaniards, and Americans, all were em¬ 
ployed. Like a ship in a storm, all were occupied, but most, the com¬ 
mander. 

The enemy had passed into lake Borgne. A naval force, consisting 
of several small vessels, under Lieut. Jones, met them at one of the 
straits which connect that lake with the Ponchartrain. The British, 
being provided with a great number of boats, sent forty-three, with 
twelve hundred men, against the American flotilla, which was manned 
with only one hundred and eighty men. After a gallant defence, in 
which Lieut. Jones sunk several of their barges, and 
was supposed to have slain a great number of their men, 
he w'as compelled to surrender his fleet to the superior 
force of the assailants. The loss of this flotilla, which 
0 had been supposed adequate to defend the passes, in¬ 
creased the danger which threatened New Orleans. Having reason to 
believe that there were persons in the city, who carried intelligence to the 
enemy, an embargo was laid for three days. That not an idle hand 
might be found, the prisons were disgorged, on condition that the pri- 


Dec. 13. 

Capture of the 
American 00511- 
la on lake 
Borgne. 





1814.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


399 


soners should labour in the ranks. La Fitte and the Barratarians ar¬ 
rived, and were employed. To keep in order and direct the energies 
of such a mass, Gen. Jackson judged that the strong arm of military 
control would alone be effectual. The danger of the times was ex¬ 
treme ; it was a case of preservation or destruction, which 
a few days must decide, and the general took the daring 
responsibility of proclaiming martial law. 

On the morning of the 22d of December, three thou, 
sand British troops, under Gen. Kean, landed at the 
head of lake Borgne, and at two o’clock, after making 
prisoners of a small advanced party of Americans, they 
posted themselves about nine miles below New Orleans. 

Gen. Jackson lost no time in preparing to meet them. Apprehending 
that they would pass the strait from lake Borgne to lake Ponchartrain, 
and thus make a double attack, he posted part of his force, under Gen. 
Carroll, so as to intercept their approach in that direction. At five on 
the afternoon of the 23d, Gen. Jackson, accompanied by Gen. Coffee, 
having the co-operation of the Caroline, an armed vessel, attacked the 
enemy in their position on the bank of the river. The charge of the 
Americans was bravely made, but the British troops maintained their 
position. A thick fo^ coming on, Gen. Jackson, whose men were now, 
for the first time, acting in concert, deemed it prudent to draw off his 
army. Having rested on the field, he withdrew on the Americans 
morning of the 24th, to a stronger position, two miles fortify them- 
nearer the city. The loss of the Americans was about 
one hundred in killed, wounded, and missing; that of 
the British, two hundred and twenty-four killed, besides a large number 
of wounded. 

In the discretion with which Gen. Jackson now took his position, 
and the diligence, care, and activity with which he fortified it, consists 
much of the merit of his defence of New Orleans. His camp occupied 
both banks of the Mississippi. On the left was a parapet of a thousand 
yards in length, in the construction of which bags of cotton w^ere used, 
with a ditch in front, containing five feet of water. The right wing of 
the division here posted, rested on the river, and the left, on‘ a wood 
which nature and art had rendered impervious. On the right bank of 
the river, a heavy battery enfiladed the whole front of the position on 
the left. The entire army were vigorously occupied in strengthening 
these lines. 

In the meantime, the British, who had been greatly annoyed by the 
fire of the Caroline, constructed a battery, which, by means of hot shot 
set fire to the vessel, and blew her up ; she having been one hour be¬ 
fore abandoned by her crew. 

On the 25th, Sir Edward Packenham, the commandcr-in-chief of the 


Martial law pro¬ 
claimed at New 
Orleans. 


Dec. 23. 

The British land 
below New Or¬ 
leans, where they 
repulse the Ame¬ 
ricans. 





400 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1814. 


Dec. 28. 

British attempt 
to force the A- 
inericans from 
their position, 
and are repulsed 


British force, accompanied by Maj. Gen. Gibbs, arrived at the British 
encampment with the main army, and a large body of 
artillery. On the 28th, Sir Edward advanced with his 
army and artillery, intending to force Jackson from his 
position. At the distance of half a mile from the Ame¬ 
rican camp, he opened upon their yet unfinished works a 
heavy cannonade. This was met on the part of the 
Americans, by the broadsides of the Louisiana, then lying in the river, 
and by the fire of their batteries. After maintaining the contest for 
seven hours, the British commander retired with the loss of one hun¬ 
dred and twenty men. The loss of the Americans was inconsiderable, 
being only six killed and twelve wounded. 

While engaged in the conflict of the 28th, Gen. Jackson was in¬ 
formed that plans for entering into negotiations with the enemy, were 
forming in the legislature of Louisiana, which was then in session. In 
the moment of irritation, he sent an order to Gov. Claiborne, to watch 
their conduct, and if such a project was disclosed, to place a military 
guard at the door, and confine them to their chamber. Gov. Clai¬ 
borne misconstrued the order, and placed a guard which prevented their 
assembling. 

On the morning of the first of January, the enemy 
having constructed batteries near the American lines, 
opened a heavy fire upon them, and at the same time 
made an attempt to turn their left flank. They were re- 
pulsed^ and in the evening abandoned their position. 
The loss of the Americans on this occasion, was six killed and twenty- 
four wounded. The British were supposed to have had one hundred 
and twenty men killed. 

On the 4th of January, Gen. Jackson received a reinforcement of 
twenty.five hundred Kentucky militia, under Gen. Adair. On the 6th, 
the British army was augmented by four thousand troops, under Gen. 
Lambert. Their army amounted, at this time, to fourteen thousand, 
while that of Gen. Jackson did not exceed six thousand. 


1815. 
Jan. 1. 

British again re 
pulsed. 


On the 7th, the British commanders were making the most vigorous 
preparMons for a meditated attack. With immense labour they had 
widened and deepened the canal from lake Borgne to the Mississippi, 
so that on the night of the seventh, they succeeded in getting their 
Jan 8 boats through this passage from the lake to the river. 

Battle of New Early on the morning of the 8th, the American army 

Sof Ui?Brf * assailed by a shower of bullets and Congreve rock- 

tish. ets. The British army, under Generals Gibbs and 

Kean, the whole commanded by Sir Edward Packinham, 
had marched in two divisions, to stonn the American entrenchments. 
The batteries of Gen. Jackson opened a brisk fire upon them, but the 





1815.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


401 


British soldiers advanced slowly, though firmly, carrying fascines and 
scaling ladders. The keen and practised eyes of the western marks¬ 
men were, as they advanced, selecting their victims. When the ene¬ 
my were within reach of their rifles, the advanced line fired, and each 
brought down his man. Those behind handed a second loaded rifle as 
soon as the first was discharged. The plain was soon strewed with the 
dead, and the brave foe faltered, and retreated in confusion. Sir Ed¬ 
ward appeared among his men, encouraging them to renew the assault, 
when two balls struck him, and he fell, mortally wounded. A second 
time the British columns advanced, and a second time retreated before 
the deadly fire of the Americans. Again their thinned ranks were 
closed, and they moved forward with desperate resolution. Generals 
Kean and Gibbs were now both wounded, and carried from the field, 
and their troops fell back. At this time, Gen. Lambert, who com¬ 
manded the reserve, attempted to bring them up, but the day was irre¬ 
trievably lost. The retreating columns had fallen back in disorder 
upon the reserve, and all his attempts to rally them were in vain. 

In the meantime, the battle was raging upon the opposite side of the 
river. Gen. Jackson had there placed the Kentucky militia, to guard 
his battery and annoy the enemy. Previous to the commencement of 
the action. Sir Edward Packenham had sent Col. Thornton, with a 
strong detachment, to make an attack upon these batteries, simultaneous 
with his own. Thornton was completely successful. The Kentucky 
militia, after having spiked the cannon, ingloriously fled, 
and left to the enemy the strong position which they had thTwSt 

occupied. Gen. Lambert, now in command, and de- 
feated on the left bank of the river, learning the success position, 
of Thornton, sent an artillery officer to examine the po- 
sition, who giving it as his opinion that the post could not be securely 
held without two thousand men, Lambert concluded to abandon it, and 
accordingly ordered Col. Thornton to rejoin the main army. The dis- 
parity of loss on this occasion is utterly astonishing ; that of the enemy 
was twenty-six hundred, while that of the Americans was but seven 
killed and six wounded. On the 9th, both armies returned to their 
former positions. From this period until the 18th, a bombardment was 
kept up by the British fleet at fort St. Philips, while Gen. Jack,son con¬ 
tinued to annoy the enemy with his artillery. On the 
night of the 18th, the British retreated, leaving behind 
them their wounded and artillery. 

On the 18th of February, fort Bowyer, commanded by 
Major Lawrence, with a garrison amounting to three 
hundred and seventy, was invested by a British force, six thousand 
strong. Resistance against a force so greatly superior, would have been 

51 


British abandon 
the expedition. 


Fort Bowyer 
surrenders. 





402 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1815. 


unavailing, and on the 11th of March, Major Lawrence surrendered 
his garrison as prisoners of war. 

Feb. 17. February, while the Americans were 

Peace pro- yet rejoicing for the victory at New Orleans, a special 
messenger arrived from Europe, bringing a treaty of 
peace, which the commissioners had concluded in the month of De¬ 
cember, at Ghent. This treaty, which was immediately ratified by the 
president and senate, stipulated that all places taken during the war, 
should be restored, and the boundaries between the American and Bri¬ 
tish dominions revised. Yet it contained no express provision against 
those maritime outrages on the part of Great Britain, which were the 
chief causes of the war. But as the orders in council had been repeal¬ 
ed, and the motives for the impressment of seamen had ceased with the 
wars in Europe, these causes no longer existed in fact; although 
America had failed, as Europe, combined under the name of the armea 
neutrality, had formerly done, to compel England to the formal relin¬ 
quishment of the principles on which she founds her arrogant claims. 
Cyane and Le- -After the promulgation of peace, news was received 
vant captured, of the farther success of the American navy. On the 
- 20th of February, the Constitution, then under the com¬ 
mand of Captain Stewart, when off the island of Madeira, fell in with 
and captured the Cyane and Levant, after a severe action of forty mi¬ 
nutes. The total number of killed and wounded on board the Consti¬ 
tution, was fifteen; that of the enemy, thirty-eight. 

Penguin cap- March, an engagement took place off 

tured. the coast of Brazil, between the United States sloop Hor- 

net, Captain Biddle, commander, and the British brig 
Penguin, which had sailed from England in September, for the purpose 
of capturing the Wasp. After twenty-two minutes, the Penguin sur¬ 
rendered. Her loss was fourteen killed and twenty-eight wounded. 
Massacre at April, a barbarous massacre was com- 

Dartmoor. mitted on the garrison at Dartmoor prison, in England, 
- upon the Americans who were there confined. The at¬ 
tack was made upon these defenceless men, without any provocation, 
and the lives of sixty-three most wantonly and inhumanly sacrificed. 
The British government were not, however, implicated in the trans¬ 
action. 






1815.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


403 


SECTION XIII. 


War witli 
Algiers. 

Decatur and 
Bainbridge sent 
to the Medi¬ 
terranean. 


Soon after the ratification of peace with Great Britain the United 
States declared war against Algiers. The Algerine government had 
violated the treaty of 1795. In 1812, under pretence that the cargo 
of the ship Allegany, which had just arrived with naval stores, for the 
payment of tribute, did not contain such an assortment of articles as he 
had a right to expect, the Dey demanded additional tribute to be paid 
in money. After several ineffectual attempts to negotiate. Colonel 
Lear, the American consul, made arrangements for paying the demand, 
and sailed for the United States. Immediately after his departure, the 
Dey commenced hostilities upon the commerce of the United States in 
the Mediterranean. These outrages were not chastised at the time, on 
account of the war with Great Britain. 

War having been declared with Algiers, two squadrons 
were fitted out, under Commodores Decatur and Bain¬ 
bridge. Commodore Decatur sailed from New York in 
May, and proceeding up the Mediterranean, captured, on 
the 17th of June, an Algerine frigate, and on the 19th, 
off Cape Palos, an Algerine brig, carrying twenty-two guns. From 
Palos, Decatur sailed for Algiers. The Dey, intimidated, signed a 
treaty of peace, which was highly honourable and advantageous to the 
Americans. Decatur then proceeded to Tunis and Tripoli, where he 
obtained satisfaction for the unprovoked violation of the treaties subsist¬ 
ing between those governments and the United States. On his arrival 
at Gibraltar, Commodore Decatur joined the squadron under Commo¬ 
dore Bainbridge, to whom he resigned the command. Bainbridge, with 
this additional force, made his appearance before Algiers, Tunis, and 
Tripoli, but seeing no disposition to violate the treaties, he returned to 
the United States. This war had the beneficial efiect of humbling and 
chastising a lawless band of pirates, who had long been the inveterate 
scourges of the Christian world. Expressions of sub¬ 
mission were obtained from these powers by the United 
States, such as had never been obtained by any other 
nation. 

With a view to the tranquillity of the western and 
northwestern frontiers, measures were taken to obtain a 
peace with several tribes of Indians who had been hos- 
tile to the United States. Some of their chiefs met at Detroit, on the 
6th of September, and readily acceded to a renewal of the former 
treaties of friendship. 

At the close of the war, the regular army of the United States was 


Peace with 
the piratical 
powers. 


Treaties with 
the Indians. 






404 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1816. 


1816. 

National 

bank. 


Fort App 
lachicola 
destroyed 


reduced to 10,000 men. For the better protection of the country in 
case of another war, congress appropriated a large sum for fortifying 
the sea coast and inland frontiers, and for the increase of the navy. 

In April, 1816, an act was passed by congress, to es¬ 
tablish a national bank, with a capital of thirty-five mil- 
lions of dollars. 

In August, fort Appalachicola, which was occupied 
by runaway negroes and hostile Indians, was destroyed 
by a detachment of American troops. More than one 
hundred were killed, and the remainder were taken prisoners. 

Treaty with In September, General Jackson held a treaty with the 

the Chicka- Chickasaws, Choctaws, and Cherokees. He made pur- 

saws, &.C. ’ , , , . 1 

- chases of their lands particularly favourable to the wishes 

and security of the frontier settlements. The tranquillity which was 
restored among the Indians themselves, contributed to favour the re- 
commencement of the work of civilization, which, previous to the war, 
had made considerable progress. 

In December, the Indiana territory was admitted into the union as 


a state. 

As early as the year 1790, establishments for spinning cotton, and 
for manufacturing coarse cotton cloths, were attempted in the state of 
Rhode Island. They were at first on a small scale ; but as the cloths 
found a ready market, the number and extent of these manufactories 
gradually increased. The embarrassments to which commerce Was sub¬ 
jected some years previous to the war, had increased the demand for 
American goods, and led the people to reflect upon the importance of 
rendering themselves independent of the manufactures of foreign na¬ 
tions. During the war, large capitals were vested in manufacturing es¬ 
tablishments, from which the capitalists realized a handsome profit. 
But at the close of the war, the English having made great improve¬ 
ments in manufacturing, and being able to sell their goods at a much 
lower rate than the American manufacturers could afibrd, the country 
was immediately filled by importations from England. The American 
manufactures being in their infancy, could not resist the shock ; and 
many large establishments failed. The manufacturers then petitioned 
government for protection, to enable them to withstand the competition; 
and in consequence of this petition, the committee on commerce and 
manufactures, in 1816, recommended that an additional duty should be 
Manufactures laid on imported goods. A new tariff was accordingly 
anTwTanff.^^ formed, by which the double imposts which had been 

- laid during the war, were removed, and a small increase 

of duty was laid upon some fabrics, such as coarse cotton goods. The 
opposition to the tariff, from the commercial interest, and in some sec¬ 
tions of the country, from the agricultural, was so great that nothing 






1816.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


405 


effectual was at that time done for the encouragement of manufactures, 
and the question of its expediency is still considered as of the first im¬ 
portance. 

A society for colonizing the free blacks of the United ^ 
btates, was first proposed in 1816, and was soon after ciety formed, 
formed. It was not under the direction of government, 
but was patronized by many of the first citizens in all parts of the union. 
The society purchased land in Africa, where they yearly removed con¬ 
siderable numbers of the free blacks from America. Their object was, 
by removing the free negroes, to diminish the black population of the 
United States ; and by establishing a colony in Africa, to prevent the 
traffic in slaves which then existed. It would also give those owners 
of slaves who were desirous of liberating them, an opportunity of doing 
so, without exposing the country to the dangers apprehended from a 
numerous free black population. 

Mr. Madison’s second term of office having expired, he followed the 
examples of his predecessors, and declined a re-election. James Mon¬ 
roe was elected president, and Daniel D. Tompkins, vice ^ 
president; and, March 4th, 1817, they entered upon their augurated. 
official duties. During the summer of this year, Mr. 

Monroe visited all the northern and eastern states, and was received 
with every demonstration of affection and respect. 

A treaty was, this year, concluded by commissioners 
appointed by the president of the United States, and the 
chiefs of the Wyandot, Delaware, Shawanese, Seneca, 

Ottoway, Chippewa, and Pottowattamie Indians, by which 
these tribes ceded to the United States all lands to which they had any 
title within the limits of Ohio. The Indians were, at their option, to 
remain on the ceded lands, subject to the laws of the United States. 

The territory of Mississippi was, this year, admitted into the union 
of the states. 

About this period, a band of adventurers, who pretended to act under 
the authority of the South American states, took possession of Amelia 
island, near the boundary of Georgia, with the avowed design of inva¬ 
ding Florida. This island having been the subject of negotiation with 
the government of Spain, as an indemnity for losses by spoliations, or 
in exchange for lands of equal value beyond the Mississippi, the mea¬ 
sure excited a sentiment of surprise and disapprobation; which was 
increased, when it was found that the island was made a channel for 
the illicit introduction of slaves from Africa into the United States, an 
asylum for fugitive slaves from the neighbouring states, and a port for 
smuggling of every kind. An establishment of a similar nature had 
previously been formed on an island in the gulf of Mexico, on the coast 
of Texas ; which as also a rendezvous for smugglers. Privateers 


Indians cede 
their lands in 
Ohio to the Uni¬ 
ted States. 





40G 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1817 


were also equipped here, which gave great annoyance to the commerce 
of the United States. These marauders were found, however, to be 
merely private adventurers, unauthorized by any government; and the 
United States sent out a force, which took possession of the islands, and 
soon put a stop to their illicit trade. 

The political feuds which had, since the revolution, occasioned so 
much animosity, were now gradually subsiding ; and it was an object 
with the administration, to remove old party prejudices, and promote 
union among the people. A spirit of improvement was spreading over 
the country; roads and canals were constructed in almost all parts of 
the Union ; and the facilities for travelling and conveying merchandise 
and produce were continually increasing. These improvements were, 
however, made by the state governments; among which, the wealthy 
state of New-York, at whose head was the illustrious De Witt Clinton, 
A spirit of inter lead. Congress caught the spirit of the times, 

nal improve- and manifested a desire to employ the resources of the 
the^uiuon.^*^*^^ nation for these objects ; and though no doubt arose as to 


- the expediency of such a course, yet the power of that 

body for carrying on such a system of internal improvement, was ques¬ 
tioned and debated. It was the opinion of President Monroe, that the 
general government had not this power, and could not obtain it, except 
by an amendment of the constitution, which he recommended to the 
states. Military roads had been opened in the late war, but it was by 
order of the war department. One of these extended from Plattsburg 
to Sackett’s Harbour, another from Detroit to the foot of the Miami 
rapids. The extra pay to the soldiers, engaged in these works, was pro¬ 
vided for by congress, in a specific appropriation. Congress had, how¬ 
ever, caused the great Cumberland road to be made, connecting, through 
the seat of government, the eastern with the western states, and passing 
over some of the highest mountains in the Union. But this undertaking 
was not decisive of the great question respecting the right of congress ; 
as it was made under peculiar circumtances. An article of compact 
between the United States and the state of Ohio, under which that state 
came into the Union, provided that such a road should be made; the 
expense being defrayed by money arising from the sale of public lands 
within that state. As the road passed through Maryland, Pennsylvania, 
and Virginia, it was thought necessary to obtain the sanction of those 
several states. Accordingly, the subject was brought before their le¬ 
gislatures, and an act passed, approving the route, and providing for the 
purchase of the land. The final decision of congress was, that the 
constitution, in its present state, did not grant to them the power of ex¬ 
pending the revenue for internal improvements. Under several of the 
State govern- governments, however, roads and canals were com¬ 

menced ; the most extensive of the latter being two in 


inents com- 



1817.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


407 


the state of New-York, one leading from lake Erie, and mence roads 
the other from lake Champlain, to the Hudson river. 


The expense of these canals was defrayed entirely by the state of 
New-York. 

In the first year of Mr. Monroe’s administration, an arrangement 
was concluded with the British government, for the reduction of the na¬ 
val force of Great Britain and the United States, on the 
lakes; and it was provided, that neither party should 

keep in service on lake Ontario or Champlain, more than - 

one armed vessel, and on lake Erie, or any of the upper lakes, more 
than two, to be armed with one gun only. 

For the security of the inland frontiers of the United 
States, military posts were established, at the mouth of 


1818. 

The commence¬ 
ment of the Se¬ 
minole war. 


the St. Peter’s, on the Mississippi, and at the mouth of -- 

the Yellow Stone river, on the Missouri, above eighteen hundred miles 
above its junction with the Mississippi. 

During the year 1818, the United States became enga- 
ged in a war with the Seminole Indians, who occupied the 
lands lying on the confines of the United States and Flo¬ 
rida ; the greater part, however, lying within the domi¬ 
nions of the king of Spain. Outlaws from the Creek nation, negroes 
who had fled from their masters in the United States, and the Seminole 
Indians, had united in committing depredations upon the lives and pro¬ 
perty of the citizens of the United States. For many months, the 
southern frontier was exposed to savage and bloody incursions; and 
the most horrid massacres had become so frequent, that the inhabitants 
were obliged to flee from their homes for security. The hostile spirit 
of the Indians was strengthened by Arbuthnot and Ambrister, two Eng¬ 
lish emissaries, who had taken up their residence among them, for the 
purposes of trade. They were also incited by one Francis, whom 
they regarded as a prophet. In December, 1817, a detachment of 
forty men, under the command of Lieut. Scott, was sent to the mouth 
of the river Appalachicola, to assist in removing some military stores 
to fort Scott. The party in returning, were fired upon by a body of 
Indians, who lay in ambush upon the bank of the river, and six only es¬ 
caped. Lieut. Scott was one of the first who fell. Notwithstanding 
the offenders were demanded by Gen. Gaines, the commanding officer 
on that frontier, the chiefs refused to deliver them up to punishment. 
Gen. Jackson, with a body of Tennesseans, was now ordered to the 
protection of the southern frontier. In several skirmishes with the In¬ 
dians, he defeated and dispersed them ; and persuaded that the Spa- 
niards were active in fomenting the Seminole war, and Gen. Jackson 
furnishing the Indians with supplies, he entered Florida, ^nd Pensacola, 
and took possession of fort St. Marks and Pensacola. 







408 


HISTORY OF THE 


[18ia 


He took as prisoners, Arbuthnot, Ambrister, and the Indian prophet, 
Francis. 

Trial of Arbuth- coui't martial was called, at which Gen. Gaines pre- 

notand Ainbris- sided, for the trial of Arbuthnot and Ambrister. Arbuth- 
ter* • 

—1- not was tried on the following charges;—“ for exciting 

and stirring up the Creek Indians to war against the United States and 

her citizens, he being a subject of Great Britain, with whom the United 

States are at peace.” Second, “ for acting as a spy, aiding, abetting, 

and comforting the enemy, and supplying them with the means of war.” 

He was found guilty of these charges, omitting the words, “ acting as 

a spy,” and sentenced to be hung. Ambrister was tried on similar 

charges, and sentenced to be shot. 

The treaty between the United States and Spain stipulated, that the 
Spanish should keep such forces as would enable them to restrain the 
hostilities of the Indians, inhabiting their colonies. It was the refusal 
of Spain to do this, which produced the necessity of carrying the war 
into its provinces. The massacres committed by the savages, left no 
alternative but to suffer the frontier settlements of Geor- 
Pensacola and gia to remain exposed to the mercy of those barbarians, 
xedfoSpJu'" the war into Florida. Pensacola and St. 

--- Marks were restored to Spain, by order of the president. 

In April cf this year, the governor of Georgia received information 
that the Phlek>mmes and Hoppones, tribes of Indians, had shown indi¬ 
cations of a hostile disposition, and that several murders had been com¬ 
mitted by them. He accordingly ordered Capt. Wright, with a com¬ 
pany of militia, to go to the relief of the inhabitants in that part of the 
country. The Creeks were at this time friendly, and many of them 
assisted Gen. Jackson in the Seminole war. Notwithstanding this, 
Capt. Wright, instead of defending the frontier from the Phlelemmes, at- 
Thc Cheraw vil- tacked the Cheraw village, tvhich belonged to the Creeks. 
lage destroyed, warriors being with Gen. Jackson, they were un¬ 

able to defend the town, and Capt. Wright took possession of it, mur¬ 
dered many of the Indians, some of their women, and reduced their 
dwellings to ashes. This treatment enraged the Creeks, and it was ex¬ 
pected that they would immediately retaliate. Measures were, how- 
ever, taken by government, to redress the injuries inflicted upon them, 
and they became satisfied. It seemed doubtful whether Capt. Wright’s 
proceedings arose from a misaj^prehension of the point of attack, or 
not. He was arrested by government, but escaped from prison. 

The congress of this year passed a bill to admit Illinois territory into 
the Union, by the name of the state of Illinois. 

Great^Britain Treaties of Commerce were, this year, concluded with 
and Sweden. Great Britain and Sweden. In the treaty with the former. 





1818.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


409 

the northern boundary of the United States, from the lake of the Woods 
to the Stony Mountains, was fixed. 

Congress passed a law, abolishing internal duties ; also indigent officers 
an act providing for the indigent officers and soldiers of soldiers of 
the revolution, by which every officer, who had served provided for. 
nine months at any period of the revolutionary war, and 
whose annual income did not exceed one hundred dollars, received a 
pension of twenty dollars a month; and every needy private soldier 
who had served that length of time, received eight. 

This year, the Chickasaws ceded to the government 
of the United States, all their lands, west of the Tennes¬ 
see river, in the states of Kentucky and Tennessee. 

The condition of those tribes living within the territo¬ 
ries of the United States, now attracted the attention of 
the government, and a humane policy dictated its measures. The sum 
of 10,000 dollars annually, was appropriated for the purpose of esta¬ 
blishing schools among them, and to promote, in other ways, their civi¬ 
lization. By means of the missionary societies, already established in 
the United States, missionaries were supported among the Indians, and 
success, in many instances, crowned their efforts. 

Alabama territory was this year admitted into the union of the states; 
and the territory of Arkansaw separated from Missouri territory. 

On the 23d of February, 1819, a treaty was negotiated Cession of 

at Washington, between John Quincy Adams, secretary — _ 

of state, and the Spanish minister, by which Spain ceded to the United 
States, East and West Florida, and the adjacent islands. The govern¬ 
ment of the United States agreed to exonerate Spain from the demands 
which their citizens had against that nation, on accoynt of injuries and 
spoliations; and it was stipulated that congress should satisfy these 
claims, to an amount not exceeding five millions of dollars. Three 
commissioners were to be appointed by the president, with the advice 
of the senate, to examine and decide upon the amount and validity of 
all claims included by the treaty. The contracting parties renounced 
all claims to indemnities for any of the recent acts of their respective 
officers in Florida. This treaty was ratified by the president and senate 
of the United States, and sent to Spain, but the king very unexpect¬ 
edly refused to sanction it. Don Onis, the Spanish minister, was re¬ 
called, and another minister was sent to the United States, to make 
complaints of the unfriendly policy on the part of the American govern¬ 
ment, and to demand explanations respecting the imputed system of 
hostility on the part of the American citizens, against the subjects and 
dominion of the king of Spain. Explanations were made, and it was 
satisfactorily shown, by Mr. x\dams, the secretary, that there had been 
no sytcm of hostility pursued by the citizens of the United States. 

52 


Indian affairs. 


1819. 






410 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1820 


CONTINUATION OF THE HISTORY. 

The cession ^ FROM 1819, | of Florida. 

TO THE 

FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE 

1826. 


SECTION I. 

1820. October, 1820, the Spanish monarch ratified the 

- treaty between France and Spain, but did not give to the 

United States possession of Florida until July, eighteen hundred and 
twenty-one. 

A petition was presented to congress this year, from the territory of 
Missouri, praying for authority to form a state government, and to be 
admitted into the Union. A bill was accordingly introduced for that 
purpose, and with an amendment, prohibiting slavery within the new 
state, passed the house of representatives, but was arrested in the 
senate. 

The district of Maine also presented a memorial to congress, praying 
to be separated from Massachusetts, to be authorised to form its own 
constitution, and to be admitted into the Union, on an equal footing with 
the other states. The two bills for the admission of Maine and Missouri 
Missouri ues joined, but not without much opposition from the ad- 

tion, united in vocates of the restriction in the Missouri bill. Upon this 
thepSSonftom subject, the members of congress were divided into two 
_ parties; those from the non-slaveholding states were in fa¬ 
vour of the restriction, while those from the south warmly 
opposed it. Much debate took place, and at no time had the parties in 
3he congress of the United States been so marked by a geographical 
division, or so much actuated by feelings dangerous to the union of the 
states, as at this time. Nor was the seat of government the only place 




1820.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


411 


where this subject was discussed ; in all parts of the Union it attracted 
the attention of the people. Many of the northern states called meet¬ 
ings, and published spirited resolutions, expressive of their fears of per¬ 
petuating slavery, and their approbation of the restriction. 

The members of congress from the south opposed the restriction, 
partly on the ground of self defence. They did not consider that the 
admission of Missouri, without any restriction, would tend, in any de¬ 
gree, to perpetuate slavery. It would not, they contended, be the 
means of increasing the number of slaves within the states, but of re¬ 
moving some of those that already existed, from one state to another. 
They maintained, that it would be a dangerous and despotic measure 
of the general government, and one that would infringe upon the 
sovereignties of the states ; that such a condition was inconsistent with 
the treaty by which the territory was ceded to the United States; and 
finally, they insinuated the danger of a dissolution of the Union, if the 
friends of the restriction persisted. 

The advocates of the measure maintained that the constitution gave 
to congress the right of admitting states with or without restrictions, and 
that no state had ever yet been admitted without any, and that the or¬ 
dinance of 1787 established this right. In proof of this it was urged, 
that when North Carolina ceded to the United States that part of her 
territory which now includes the state of Tennessee, she made the 
grant upon the express condition that congress should make no regula¬ 
tion tending to the emancipation of slaves. When Georgia ceded to 
the United States the Mississippi territory, the articles of agreement 
which provided for its admission as a state, on the conditions of the or¬ 
dinance of 1787, expressly excepted that article which forbids slavery. 
It was also maintained that to strike out the restriction from this bill, 
would inevitably tend to perpetuate slavery, and to entail this greatest 
evil upon the new state, besides increasing to the Union the mischiefs 
arising from unequal representation. After much discussion, a com¬ 
promise was effected, and a bill passed for the admission of Missouri 
without any restriction, but with the inhibition of slavery throughout the 
territories of the United States, north of 36° 30' north latitude. Thus 
was the most dangerous question ever agitated in congress, disposed of 
in an amicable manner. 

The bill for the admission of Maine passed without re¬ 
striction or amendment; and in 1820, Maine became in¬ 
dependent of Massachusetts, and assumed her proper 
rank as one of the United States. 

Missouri was not declared independent until August, 

1821. Previously to the passage of the bill for its ad¬ 
mission, the people of Missouri formed a state constitu¬ 
tion ; a provision of which required the legislature to pass a law “ to 


Maine admit¬ 
ted to the 
Union. 


1821. 

Missouri admit¬ 
ted to the Union. 




412 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1821. 

prevent free negroes and mulattoes from coming to, and settling in the 
state.” When the constitution was presented to congress, this provi¬ 
sion was strenuously opposed. The contest occupied a great part of 
the session, but Missouri was finally admitted, on the condition that no 
laws should be passed, by which any free citizens of the United States 
should be prevented from enjoying those rights within that state, to 
which they were entitled by the constitution of the United States. 

This year Mr. Monroe entered upon his second term 
of office, having been re-elected to the presidency by 
nearly a unanimous vote. Mr. Tompkins was also con- 
tinned in the vice presidency. 

A territorial government was, this year, established in 
Florida. 

In June, a convention of navigation and commerce, 
on terms of reciprocal and equal advantage, was con¬ 
cluded between France and the United States. 

The ports of the West India islands were, about this time, opened to 
the United States, by an act of the British parliament. 

The American commerce, in the West Indian seas, had, 
crease of piracy, for several years, suffered severely from the depredations 
committed by pirates Great quantities of property were 
seized by these marauders ; and their captives were often murdered 
in the most inhuman manner. They respected no law, and the flag 
of no nation. An event occurred this year, which excited general 
attention, and showed that the evil had become so alarming as to call 
loudly for the strong arm of government to interpose for the protection 
of its citizens. The Alligator, a United States’ schooner, was about 
entering the harbour of Matanzas, when information was received that 
two American vessels, which the pirates had just captured, were lying 
a short distance from that place. The Alligator was immediately or¬ 
dered to their relief. An engagement with the pirates ensued, in which 
the Americans were victorious. They found and recaptured no less 
than five American vessels, which were in possession of the pirates. 
They also took one piratical schooner; but Allen, the brave com¬ 
mander of the Alligator, was wounded in the engagement, and died in a 
few hours. His death excited much feeling throughout the United States. 

The pirates, making the island of Cuba their general place of ren¬ 
dezvous, carried their depredations to such an extent, that it was ex¬ 
tremely dangerous for vessels to enter or leave the port of Havana. 
Congress at length passed a law, appropriating a sum of money to fit 
out an expedition for the suppression of piracy. Com. 
Porter, to whom was given the command of this expedi¬ 
tion, sailed for the West Indies, and after touching at 
Porto Rico, arrived at Matanzas, with a squadron, con- 


1823. 

Cora. Porter 
sent to the gulf 
of Mexico. 


Mr. Monroe re¬ 
elected. 


1822. 


Treaty with 
F ranee. 







1822.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


413 


sisting of a steam frigate, eight schooners, and five barges. No cap 
tures were made, however, by this squadron, as the pirates had obtained 
knowledge of their movements; but the object of their going out was 
accomplished in the protection afforded to commerce. The Ameri- 
can squadron remained near the islands, and afforded convoys to mer¬ 
chant vessels; and in consequence of this protection of the sea, the 
pirates were compelled to remain upon the islands, where they com¬ 
mitted depredations upon the inhabitants. One vessel only was taken 
from the Americans during this period, and that was recaptured by 
Com. Porter. 

In the message which President Monroe this year sent to congress, 
he invited their attention to the expediency of recognizing the independ¬ 
ence of the South American republics. He stated, that throughout the 
contest between those colonies and the parent country, the United States 
had remained neutral, and had fulfilled, with the utmost impartiality, 
all the obligations incident to that character. Some time had elapsed 
since the provinces had declared themselves independent nations, and 
had enjoyed that independence, free from invasion. For three years, 
Spain had not sent a single corps of troops into any part of that coun¬ 
try. The delays which had been observed in making a decision on 
this important subject, would afford an unequivocal proof 
of the respect entertained by the United States for Spain, 
and of their determination not to interfere with her rights. 

Mr. Monroe remarked, that “ in proposing this measure, 
it is not contemplated to change thereby, in the ’slightest 
manner, the friendly relations with either of the parties, 
but to observe in all respects as heretofore, should the war be continued, 
the most perfect neutrality between them.” The committee on foreign 
relations, to whom this question was referred, reported in favour of this 
measure, and recommended that a sum should be appropriated to ena¬ 
ble the president to give due effect .to such recognition. Ministers 
plenipotentiary were appointed to Mexico, Buenos Ayres, Columbia, 
and Chili. 

Articles of convention for the suppression of the Afri- 

can slave trade, were, this year, subscribed at London, - 

by plenipotentiaries appointed for this purpose, from the United States 
and Great Britain. These articles authorized the commissioned offi¬ 
cers of each nation, to capture and condemn the ships of the other, 
which should be concerned in the illicit traffic of slaves. 

Ever since the year 1816, the tariff had attracted the 
attention of the people throughout the Union, and from 
time to time the subject had been brought before con¬ 
gress ; but, with the exception of the small protection -- 

afforded to coarse cotton cloths, nothing had yet been done for the 


1822 . 
United States 
acknowledge 
the independ¬ 
ence of the South 
American re¬ 
publics. 


1824 . 

The tariff ques¬ 
tion again agita¬ 
ted. 





414 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1824. 


encouragement of American manufactures. Notwithstanding the pres¬ 
sure of the times, and the many disadvantages under which they la¬ 
boured, the manufacturers of cotton, after they recovered from the first 
shock, had proved successful. Excepting fine fabrics, which were not 
manufactured to any extent in America, domestic cottons almost sup¬ 
plied the country, and considerable quantities were exported to South 
America. Establishments for printing calicoes had been erected in a 
few places, and in some instances the manufacture of lace had been 
attempted. 

In the support of these establishments, independent of the protection 
of government, and in defiance of the obstacles which opposed them, 
individuals and manufacturing companies displayed great energy and 
perseverance. During this period, the friends of manufactures had in¬ 
creased in numbers, and in zeal for the cause. This year the subject 
of a new tariff was again brought before congress, but was vehemently 
opposed. The grounds of the opposition to the bill were, that it would 
injure the commerce and agriculture of the country, and by lessening 
the public revenue, compel a resort to a system of excise and taxation. 
That it would diminish the exports of the country, as other nations 
would not purchase articles of any kind from us, unless the produce of 
their industry was received in exchange. That the country was not 
prepared for the successful establishment of manufactures, on account 
of the high price of labour ; and that manufactures would, under a fa¬ 
vourable concurrence of circumstances, flourish without the protection 
of government. 

The friends of a new tariff replied, that a dependence upon the inter¬ 
nal resources of the country was the only true policy of our govern¬ 
ment ; and that the protection desired for manufactures, far from inju¬ 
ring, would prove beneficial to both commerce and agriculture. It 
would create a home market, without which the agriculturist would not 
receive the just reward of his labours. New and extensive establish¬ 
ments would arise, by means of which, thousands of persons, now idle, 
might find employment, and in the meantime keep the resources of the 
country at home. It would not diminish the exportations, unless to 
Europe, where little besides the raw materials are carried ; and by the 
applications of industry, new articles of exportation might be multi¬ 
plied, more valuable than the raw materials, and by which we should 
be indemnified for any losses thus incurred. They considered it by no 
means certain that it would lessen the public revenue ; the augmenta¬ 
tion of duty would compensate for the diminution in the quantity of 
goods imported. Experience proved that manufactures needed pro¬ 
tection, and that such had ever been the policy of those governments 
where the manufacturing interest flourished ; and in proof of this, they 
pointed to the steady course of the English government. Many of the 


1824.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA; 


415 


friends of the tariff, however, conceded, that if all nations would unite 
in a system of free, unshackled trade, it would probably produce the best 
possible state of things ; but they contended, that as the United States 
must suffer from laws made by other governments to protect and favour 
their own manufactures, it was but just that the citizens of the United 
States should receive a like protection and preference from their own 
government. After much discussion, the bill, with some 
amendments, passed. It proved effectual in affording the 

desired protection to cotton goods ; but the question is still -- 

agitated in favour of manufactures of other kinds, and the manufacturers 
of wool are zealously endeavouring to obtain a similar protection.* 


SECTION II. 


On the 15th of August, 1824, Gen. La Fayette, the cen. La Fayette 
friend of America, arrived in the harbour of New-York. revisits Amer- 

He did not proceed to the city, but stopped at the man- —!__ 

sion of the vice president, on Staten Island. Congress, participating 
in the warm feeling of esteem and gratitude whieh pervaded the whole 
nation, had given him an invitation to visit America, and had proposed 
sending a national ship for his conveyance. He accepted the invita¬ 
tion, although he declined the offer of a national vessel. 

When information was reeeived in the eity of New-York of his arri¬ 
val, a committee of the corporation, and a great number of distinguished 
citizens, immediately proceeded to Staten Island, to behold and wel¬ 
come the former benefactor of their country, now its illustrious guest. 
Arrangements were made, by the committee, for his visit 

o ' •' jic 2ti*nv0S iri 

to New-York, which was to take place the following day. New-York. 

A splendid escort of steam boats, gaily decorated with ' 

the flags of every nation, and bearing thousands of citizens, brought 
the venerated Fayette to the view of the assembled crowds at New- 
York. The feelings of Fayette, at revisiting again, in prosperity, the 
country which he had sought and made his own in the darkest adver¬ 
sity, were at times overpowering, and melted him to tears. Esteemed 
as he was for his virtues, consecrated by his sufferings, and his con¬ 
stancy in the cause in which in his youth he had embarked, the philan- 

* This protection has been afforded, by an act of congress, May 19,1828^ by which addi¬ 
tional duties were laid not only on wool and woollens, but also on iron and many of its 
fabrics; lead, hemp and its fabrics, distilled spirits, molasses, silk stuffs, window glass, and 
cottons. 





41G 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1824. 


thropist of any country could not view him without an awe mingled 
with tenderness; but to Americans there was besides a deep feeling 
of gratitude for his services, and an associated remembrance of those 
with whom he had lived; and there seemed to come back to us, not 
only La Fayette, but Washington, and Greene, and the heroes of the 
days of American glory ; and the feeling of communing with the illus¬ 
trious dead, as well as with the most virtuous of the living, filled our 
hearts, and excited us to the highest pitch of enthusiasm. 

The thousands assembled to meet Fayette at New-York, manifested 
their joy at beholding him, by shouts, acclamations, and tears. He 
rode uncovered from the battery to the City Hall, receiving and re¬ 
turning the affectionate gratulations of the multitude. At the City 
Hall, the o<fficers of the city, and many citizens, were presented to him, 
and he was welcomed by an address from the mayor. His meeting 
with a few grey-headed veterans of the revolution, his old companions 
in arms, was a scene truly pathetic. The deep affection they evinced, 
their constant recurrence to the time when they fought together, few 
could witness without tears. 

Deputations from Philadelphia, Baltimore, New Haven, and many 
other cities, arrived in New-York, with invitations for him to honour 
those places with his presence. After remaining a few days in New- 
York, he proceeded through New Haven and Providence on his way to 
Makes the tour Boston. A deputation from Boston met him on his en- 
states. trance into Massachusetts, and accompanied him to the 

- seat of the governor, in Roxbury. There they received 

an escort of eight hundred citizens from Boston ; the mayor and cor¬ 
poration awaiting his arrival at the city lines. The pupils of the pub¬ 
lic schools, both male and female, were arranged in two lines on the 
side of the common, under the care of their respective teachers, and 
through these beautiful lines the procession passed. 

From Boston From Boston he proceeded to Portsmouth, to visit the 
New°Yor^ navy yard. Orders had been issued by the president to 
Washington. all the military posts, to receive him with the honour due 
to the highest officer in the American service. He re¬ 
turned to Boston, and from thence to New-York, through Worcester 
and Hartford. On his return to New-York, a splendid fete was given 
at Castle Garden, and every demonstration of joy continued to be shown. 
From New-York, the general proceeded to Albany and Troy, calling 
at West Point, and several ether places on the river. He next passed 
through New Jersey, and visited Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, 
Yorktown, and Richmond. These places vied with New-York and 
Boston in the splendour with which they received the beloved defender 
of their country. He returned to Washington during the session of 
congress, and remained there several weeks. Congress voted him the 




1825.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


417 


sum of two hundred thousand dollars, and a township of land which 
was located in Florida, as a remuneration, in part, of his services du¬ 
ring the revolutionary war, and as a testimony of their gratitude. 

About the last of February, La Fayette commenced his 1825 
tour through the southern and western states. From Makes the tour 
Washington he went to Richmond, passed through North I'le southern 
and South Carolina, taking in his route, Raleigh, Fay- 
etteville, and Charleston, to Savannah. He travelled 
through Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, to New Orleans ; and from 
thence proceeded up the Mississippi as far as St. Louis, visiting the 
principal places on both sides of the river, lie returned to the Ohio, 
passed through Nashville ; Louisville, Frankfort, and Lexington in Ken¬ 
tucky ; Cincinnati, and other towns in Ohio ; Wheeling and Pittsburg, 
in Pennsylvania, to Buffalo ; through the state of New-York to Albany ; 
and from thence, across Massachusetts, to Boston, lie arrived in sea¬ 
son to participate in the ceremony of laying the corner stone of a mo¬ 
nument which was to commemorate the battle of Bunker’s Hill. Leav¬ 
ing Boston, he proceeded to Portland, in Maine ; from thence, through 
Concord in New Hampshire, Windsor and Montpelier, to Burlington, 
in Vermont. From Burlington he crossed to Plattsburg; and passing 
down lake Champlain and the Hudson, arrived again in New-York, where 
he united in the celebration of the anniversary of American indepen¬ 
dence. Then taking his leave of the eastern and northern states, he 
returned to Washington, where he remained until his departure from 
the continent. 

A more interesting scene can hardly be imagined, than 
was presented in his visit to Mount Vernon, to the tomb of Washington, 
of his departed friend, of him^ whose praise is dear to 
the heart of evei 7 American. He was accompanied by several gen¬ 
tlemen, relatives of Judge Washington’s family. When he arrived at 
the tomb, Mr. Custis, the adopted child of Washington, presented him 
with a ring containing a portion of the locks from that venerated head, 
which for so many toilsome days, and unpillowed nights, had devoted 
all its energies to that cause for which La Fayette had toiled and bled 
with kindred devotion. 

On the departure of Gen. La Fayette from Washington, 

the president expressed to him the happiness the nation of America, and 
‘ , , . . . , 'j. J.J. -u returns to 

had experienced in receiving such a guest; its attach- France. 

ment to him; the grateful remembrance of his valuable 
services; and, in behalf of the nation, he bade him an affectionate 
adieu. A new frigate, named the Brandywine, in memory of the bat¬ 
tle in which Gen. La Fayette was wounded, was deputed by govern¬ 
ment to convey him to his native land, whither he was followed by the be¬ 
nedictions of thousands, who would gladly have detained him in America. 





418 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1826 


La Fayette’s whole progress through the United States had been 
one continued triumph—the most illustrious of any which history re¬ 
cords. No captives were chained to his triumphal car; no mortifica¬ 
tion of a defeated rival was to heighten his greatness. His glory was 
the happiness and prosperity which his services had gained for the 
country of his adoption ; his captives, the enchained affections of an 
almost adoring people. 

During Mr. Monroe’s administration, America enjoyed profound 
peace. Sixty millions of her national debt were discharged. The 
Floridas were peaceably acquired, and the western limits fixed at the 
Pacific Ocean. Internal taxes were repealed, the military establish¬ 
ment reduced to its narrowest limits of efficiency, the organization of 
the army improved, the independence of the South American nations 
recognized, progress made in the suppression of the slave trade, and 
the civilization of the Indians advanced. 

Mr. Monroe’s second term of office having expired, John Quincy 
Adams was elected president. Four among the principal citizens of 
the republic had been candidates for the office, and voted for by the 
electoral college. These were John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, 
Henry Clay, and M^illiam H. Crawford. The electors were divided, 
and no choice being made by them, a president, according to the con¬ 
stitution, was to be chosen by the house of representatives, from the 
three candidates whose number of votes stood highest; who were 

,' ^ , Messrs. Adams, Jackson, and Crawford. Mr. Adams 

Mr. Adams cho- , ^ ^ , • , , , 

sen president by was clioseii. 1 his was the first election by the fiouse 

presentafives representatives, in the case contemplated by the con- 

—- stitution, where there was no one of the candidates pre¬ 

ferred by a majority of the electors.* Many fears had been expressed, 
that whenever such a case could occur, it would be attended with un¬ 
pleasant circumstances; but the result was far different. That an 
event, such as had torn asunder the most powerful kingdoms, should 
have taken place in the congress of the United States, without the least 
commotion, showed the respect which that body felt for its own dignity, 
and their sense of the solemnity of the obligation which bound them to 
preserve inviolate the constitution of their country. 

Mr. Adams was inaugurated March 4th, 1825. In 
rated. his inaugural address, he declared the course he should 

-pursue was that marked out by his predecessor. He ob¬ 
served that there remained one effort of magnanimity to be made by the 


* The case of the election of Mr. Jefferson was by no means such a one as was con¬ 
templated by the framers of the constitution, in its provision for an election by the house 
of representatives. Mr. Jefferson was preferred by a majority of the electors, and it was 
merely from an unforestxin defect in the constitution, which was-amended as soon as per¬ 
ceived, and of which advantage was taken by his political enemies, that Mr. Jefferson’s 
election was not decided by the college of electors. 




1826.] 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


419 


individuals throughout the nation, who had heretofore followed the 
standards of political party;—it was that of discarding every rem¬ 
nant of rancour against each other, of embracing as countrymen and 
friends, and of yielding to talents and virtue alone, that confidence, 
which, in times of contention for principle, was bestowed only upon 
those who bore the badge of party communion. 

A treaty of commerce and navigation, with the repub- 
lie of Colombia, was ratified in 1825. The basis of this 

treaty was laid in the principle of entire and unqualified - 

reciprocity, and the mutual obligation of the parlies to place each other 
on the footing of the most favoured nation. 

In the first message of President Adams to congress, he announced 
the invitation which had been received by the government of the Uni¬ 


ted States from the South American republics, to send representatives 
to the congress which they had called at Panama. This invitation had 
been accepted by the president, on condition that the nomination of 
commissioners should be approved by the senate. The congress of 
Panama was to be merely an assembly of diplomatic agents, vested 
with no powers, except to negotiate and discuss; they were to be de¬ 
puted by governments, whose constitutions require that all foreign con¬ 
tracts and treaties shall receive ratification from the organic body at 
home, before they can go into effect. The relations which the United 
States held with the South American nations, were very different from 
those which existed with the European powers. They Discussion of 
were united by a similarity in the forms of their govern- mission to 

ments : the new republics looked upon the republic of —-^- 

America, as having led the way in the cause of freedom, and they ex¬ 
pected from her, friendship in their cause. At the same time they de¬ 
sired nothing which would violate her strict neutrality, or give just 
cause of umbrage to any other power. The commercial relations ex¬ 
isting between the United States and those nations, were even now 
important; and the interest of them to this country, would be conti¬ 
nually increasing. Subjects in which the United States were deeply 
interested, were to be discussed at Panama, and it was highly neces¬ 
sary that the wishes of the United States should there be made known. 

Some of the objects which it was hoped might be accomplished by 
the attendance of ministers at Panama were, the preservation of the 
tranquillity of the islands of Cuba and Porto Rico, the invasion of which, 
by the united forces of Mexico and Colombia, was among the objects 
to be matured by the belligerent states at Panama ; and the abolition 
of private war upon the ocean, by a general agreement among the 
South American nations, as far as any of them were concerned. It 
was hoped that they would also take into consideration the means of 
making effectual the assertion of the principle, that the European 




420 


HISTORY OF THE 


[1825. 


nations have no right to colonize further in this country ; and that, with 
the exception of the existing colonies, the whole of the continent of Ame¬ 
rica belongs to the independent governments cstaJ)lished upon it; and 
that they would concert measures for the more effectual abolition of the 
slave trade, and, if possible, prevail upon the South American nations, to 
consent to religious toleration. 

The mission was warmly opposed in congress, on the ground that it 
would be a departure from the neutral character, that the United States 
professed to maintain, and contrary to the advice of Washington, which 
was, in extending the commercial relations with other countries, to 
have as little political connection with them as possible. After much 
discussion, the nominations of the president were ap¬ 
proved by the senate, and two ministers were appointed 
to represent the United States at Panama. 

On the 4th of July, 1826, died John Adams and Tho¬ 
mas Jefferson. That these two political fathers, who 
had contributed more than any other Americans living, to 
the establishment of independence, should thus depart 
together, amidst the rejoicings of its fiftieth anniversary, 
struck to the hearts of the American people an indescri¬ 
bable feeling of awe (and astonishment. It was as if Heaven^itself, 
participating in the jubilee of freedom, had removed the two most worthy 
guests of the festival, to the higher rejoicings of the celestial courts. 


Two ministers 
sent to Panama 


1826. 
July 4. 
Simultaneous 
death of the 
ex-presidents, 
Adams and 
Jefferson. 


For geographical notices, see the geographies of the present day. The 
following is a list of the military stations in the United States, in 1826. 


Fort Sullivan, at Eastport, Maine. 

Fort Preble, at Portland, Maine. 

Fort Constitution, at Portsmouth, N. H. 

Fort Independence, at Boston, Mass. 

Fort Adams and Wolcott, at Newport, R. I. 

Fort Trumbull, at New London, Ct. 

Forts Columbus, Wood, Gibson, and La Fayette, at New-York. 

Fort M’Henry, at Baltimore, Md. ^ , 

Fort at Annajjolis, Md. 

Fort Washington, on the Potomac, four miles below Alexandria. 
Fortress Monroe and Calhoun, near Hampton Roads. 

Fort Johnson, at Smithfield, N. C. 

Fort Moultrie, at Charleston, S. C. 

Fort Jackson, at Savannah, Geo. 

Fort Marion, at St. Augustine, Florida. 

Fort Barancas, near the entrance of the harbour, and Cantonment 
Clinch, above the town, Pensacola 




182G.] 


iiEPUKLlC OF AMERICA. 


421 


Forts Jackson and Philips, near the mouth of the Mississippi river. 

Fortified Arsenal, at Baton Rouge. 

Cantonment Jessup, at Natchitoches. 

Cantonment Towson, at Kiamisha. 

Fort Atkinson, at Council Bluffs. 

Fort Armstrong, on Rock Island, m the Mississippi river. 

Fort Crawford, at the Prairie du Chien. 

Fort Luelling, near the Falls of St. Anthony. 

Fort Howard, at Green Bay. 

Fort Brady, at the Sank de St. Marie. 

Fort Mackinaw, near the Straits of Michilimacinack. 

Madison Barracks, at Sackett’s Harbour. 

Fort Niagara, near the mouth of Niagara river. 

Fort at West Point. 

There are arsenals at Watertown, near Boston; Gibbonsville, oppo¬ 
site Troy, N. Y. ; Rome, N. Y.; Philadelphia, Pa.; Pittsburg, Pa.; 
Pikesville, near Baltimore; Washington City; Bellona arsenal, near 
Richmond, Va.; and at Charleston, S. C. 

Armories at Springfield, and at Pittsburg, Pa. 

There are naval stations at Portsmouth, N. H.; Boston ; New-York ; 
Philadelphia; Washington; Norfolk, Va. ; Pensacola. 

A military academy was founded at West Point, by the government 
of the United States, in 1802, during the administration of Mr. Jeffer¬ 
son. This institution, when first organized, consisted only of the com¬ 
mandant, and a few other officers of the corps of engineers, together 
with fifteen or twenty cadets, who were attached to that corps. Con- 
gress, in the first instance, appropriated $25,000, for erecting build¬ 
ings, and purchasing apparatus. By an act of congress, in 1812, the 
plan was much extended, as to the course of education. It also in¬ 
creased the number of cadets to two hundred and fifty, and provided 
for a professor and assistant professor in natural and experimental phi¬ 
losophy; a professor and assistant professor in engineering; a profes¬ 
sor and assistant professor of mathematics ; a professor of the French 
language; a professor of drawing ; an instructor of tactics; an in¬ 
structor in artillery; a surgeon of the army, to act as professor of che¬ 
mistry and mineralogy; and a swords master. By an act of congress 
in 1818, a chaplain was appointed, who is also professor of rhetoric 
and moral philosophy. The secretary of war is authorized to appoint, 
in addition to the above, as many lieutenants from the army, as the 
service of the academy may require, who are to act as assistant pro¬ 
fessors. The library contains about seven thousand volumes, princi¬ 
pally on scientific subjects. The course of instruction is finished in 
four years. 



m 


HISTORY OF THE 


Year in wliich Catalogue of eminent men who died during the periodj 
they died. extending from 1803 to 1826. 


1803 . 


1804 . 


1805 . 


1806 . 


1807 . 


Samuel Adams, a distinguished statesman and patriot, 
and one of the signers of the declaration of independence. 

Samuel Hopkins, D. D., an eminent divine—author 
of a System of Doctrines, to which is added, a Treatise 
on the Millenium. 

William Vans Murray, a distinguished statesman. 

Matthew Thornton, one of the signers of the decla¬ 
ration of independence. 

Alexander Hamilton, a distinguished statesman, and 
first secretary of the treasury of the United States. 

John Blair Linn, D. D., a poet, and an eminent 
divine—author of “ The Powers of Genius,” Vale¬ 
rian, &c. 

Philip Schuyler, a major-general in the revolution¬ 
ary army. 

George Walton, one of the signers of the declaration 
of independence. ^ 

Joseph Priestly, an eminent divine. 

Arthur Brown, L. L. D., a distinguished scholar and 
eminent barrister—author of a “ Compend of Civil Law,” 
“ Miscellaneous Sketches,” &;c. 

William Moultrie, governor of South Carolina, and 
a major-general in the American war. 

Isaac Backus, a learned divine and historian—author 
of a “ Church History of New-England.” 

Horatio Gates, a major-general in the army of the 
United States. 

Henry Knox, L. L. D., a major-general in the army 
of the United States, and first secretary of the treasury. 

Robert Morris, one of the signers of the declaration 
of independence. 

George Wythe, chancellor of Virginia, and one of 
the signers of the declaration of independence. 

Abraham Baldwin, a distinguished statesman. 

Oliver Ellsworth, chief justice of the United States, 
and a distinguished statesman. 

Edward Preble, commodore in the navy of the 
United States. 

Samuel West, D. D. an eminent divine, metaphysical, 
theological, and controversial writer—author of “ Essays 
on Liberty and Necessity.” 


REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 

Fisher Ames, a distifiguished statesman and scholar. 

John Dickinson, a distinguished political writer. 

John Redman, M. D., first president of the college of 
physicians in Philadelphia. 

William Shippen, M. D., F. R. S., a learned physi¬ 
cian and anatomist. 

James Sullivan, a distinguished civilian—author of a 
“ History of the District of Maine,” “ History of the Pe¬ 
nobscot Indians,” &;c. 

Thomas Heyward, one of the signers of the declara- 
tion of independence. 

Meriwether Lewis, governor of Louisiana. 

Thomas Paine, a political and deistical writer—au¬ 
thor of the “ Age of Reason,” “ Rights of Man,” &c. 

Charles Brockden Brown, a distinguished writer, 
principally of novels—author of “ Wieland,” “ Ormond, 
or the Secret Witness,” &c. 

Benjamin Lincoln, a major-general in the American 
army. 

Robert Treat Paine, a distinguished poet. 

William Williams, one of the signers of the decla¬ 
ration of independence. 

Joel Barlow, L. L. D., a distinguished poet—author 
of the “ Vision of Columbus,” since entitled the “ Co- 
lumbiad.” 

George Clinton, fourth vice president of the United 
States. 

David Ramsay, a celebrated historian—author of the 
“ Life of Washington,” “American Revolution,” &;c. 

George Clymer, one of the signers of the declaration 
of independence. 

Robert R. Livingston, one of the signers of the de¬ 
claration of independence, and a distinguished patriot 
and statesman. 

Theophilus Parsons, an eminent statesman and 
lawyer. 

Zebulon Montgomery Pike, a brigadier-general in 
the army of the United States. 

Benjamin Rush, M. D., a celebratod physician, and 
one of the signers of the declaration of independence. 

Alexander Wilson, a celebrated naturalist. 

William Heath, a major-general in the American army. 

Robert Treat Paine, a distinguished patriot, and one 
of the sif^ners of the doolarafion of independence 


423 

1808 . 

1809 . 

1810 . 

1811 . 

1812 . 

1813 . 

1813 

1814 . 


424 HISTORY OF THE REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. 


1815 . 


1816 . 

1817 . 


1818 . 


1820 . 


1821 . 


1822 . 

1823 . 

1826 . 


Elbkidge Gerry, vice j)resident of the United States. 

James A. Bayard, a distinguished statesman. 

John Carroll, D. D., first Archbishop of the Roman 
Catholic Church in America. 

Benjamin Smith Barton, M. D., a learned physician, 

Robert Fulton, a celebrated civil engineer, and the 
first person in the United States who applied steam to the 
propelling of vessels. 

Governeur Morris, a distinguished statesman. 

James Alexander Dallas, secretary of the treasury 
of the United States. 

Timothy Dwight, S. T. D., L. L. D., president and 
professor of divinity of Yale College. 

Arthur St. Clair, a major-general in the army of 
the United States. 

Samuel Stanhope Smith, D. D., L. L. D., president 
of Princeton College. 

Hugh Williamson, M. D. L. L. D., author of the 
“ History of North Carolina,” “ Change of the climate 
of the United States,” &c. 

Daniel Boone, the first settler of the state of Ken¬ 
tucky. 

Stephen Decatur, commodore in the navy of the 
United States. 

Oliver Hazard Perry, commodore in the navy of 
the United States. 

Benjamin AVest, a celebrated historical painter. 

William Ellery, one of the signers of the declara- 
tion of independence. 

Samuel Bard, M. D., L. L. D., an eminent physician, 
and president of the college of physicians and surgeons 
in the University of New-York. 

William Floyd, one of the signers of the declaration 
of independence. 

William Pinkney, an eminent lawyer and statesman. 

John Stark, a brigadier-general in the American 
army during the revolutionary war. 

William Bartram, F. R. S., an eminent botanist- 
author of “ Travels through the Carolinas, Georgia, and 
the Floridas.” 

John Adams, L. L. D., eminent as a statesman and a 
lawyer, and second president of the United States. 

Thomas Jefferson, L. L. D., third president of the 
United States. 


APPENDIX. 

-•fe ./ ^ 

. . Hi , 

Many efforts to civilize the Indians have been made by the government of thd 
United States ; and these humane exertions have been ably seconded by pious and 
benevolent individuals; but apparently with little effect. What is known of the 
history of those tribes who inhabited the central and northern parts of the American 
Republic, exhibits them as a peculiar people, and shows that there are principles in 
their mental constitution, averse to civilization.* Although the Indians had for cen¬ 
turies, perhaps for thousands of years, been the sole lords of rich and extensive 
domains, affording many eligible and central situations, yet from authentic histo¬ 
ries, we do not learn that they had any cities. Compared with other nations, the 
Indian scarce seems a gregarious animal. Other barbarians have^ by degrees, seen 
the advantages of union; and hence have bartered, their independence for secu¬ 
rity. Not so with the Indian. He is master of his own conduct; the avenger of 
his own wrongs. Even in war, he follows his leader only by his own choice. If 
it should be said that the comparative solitude in which he lives, is rather the ne¬ 
cessary effect of the manner in which he procures Iris subsistence, than of his own 
voluntary selection—that his living in this state marks no peculiarity of his taste, 
but only his degree in the scale of civilization, other nations having gone through 
the same barbarous state before arriving at refinement—why then, it may be asked, 
when the pleasures and comforts of civilization are introduced, does he not manifest 
the sam% eagerness to possess himself of them, that other barbarians have hitherto 
manifested on like occasions ? The savage tribes in the north of Europe were, 
at the period when history first presents them to our notice, in the same wandering 
unsettled state, in which the Indian tribes have been subsequently found; but as 
^ soon as these blood-hounds of war scented, from the south the distant cities and 
fields of civilization, they rushed towards them, drove off their possessors, and 
gladly abandoning their own inhospitable mountains, enjoyed the pleasures and 
learned the arts of civilized men. So far from this, the Indians, when civilization 
is brought to their'door, flee from it. Their tribes, it is true, made war upon our 
forefathers ; but it was to exterminate them, and to regain a soil which they re¬ 
garded as belonging to them, and over which they wished again to roam uncon¬ 
trolled ; but in no instance did the Indian seek, like the European barbarian, to 
drive the white man from his dwelling, that he might have a more commodious 
one to inhabit himself. And now that these tribes have so long lived with a civil¬ 
ized people, they do not incline to mingle with them. The contrast between the 
character of the Indian and the negro, in this respect, shows still more plainly, 
that the former acts from his propensities rather than his situation. The negro, 
brought from the wilds of Africa, immediately acquires a taste for luxury, and^ 

♦ These remarks are not intended to include the Cherokees. 

A 




A. 


11 


APPENDIX. 


/ 


gladly serves in the dwellings of the rich ; but the Indian can rarely be thus tempted 
to forego his independence. 

The Indians themselves appear to be impressed with the belief that they are, by . 
nature, different men from the whites. It was related by a lady who had long lived 
ueai* them, that a chief in her neigbourhood, had sent his son, for an education, to 
Dartmouth College. On his return to his paternal fields, he immediately re-as¬ 
sumed the dress and ferocious manners of the Indians. On her noticing this cir¬ 
cumstance to the father, “ Hoh !” said the old Indian, “ if you catch a young wolf, 
and shut him up in a pen, do you think, when you let him out, he will not catch 
lambs.” ^ 

That man is the same in all ages and in all climates, is doubtless a general truth, 
but it cannot be received without its limitations. When considering the bodily 
structure of different races, that anatomist would err, who should practise his pro¬ 
fession, on the presumption that there were no differences ;—and let us but open 
our eyes to the lights of history, and we shall be convinced that the politician 
would equally commit an error, who should proceed on the supposition that there 
are no original differences of mental constitution. 

There is something melancholy in contemplating the fate of this people, when 
we look back to the time when they were lords of the soil of America, crowded, 
as they have been, further and further to the west: nor does their future prospect, 
unless some unforeseen change takes place, seem much more cheering. “ By and 
by,” says Mr. Moulton, “ they will have passed the Rocky Mountains, and in a 
few centuries scarcely a remnant will be seen, unless along the beach of the Pacific, 
the utmost boundary to which they can flee ; where, as they gaze upon the illimi¬ 
table expanse, and turn back to the country of their ancestors, they will mingle 
with the resounding surge the death song of departed nations.” 

We should hope that this mournful image was rather the production of poetic 
fancy, than historic truth; nor have the considerations mentioned been brought 
forward to deter benevolent exertions in their favour; but in hopes that it may 
tend to make those exertions more effectual. The statesman, like the mechani¬ 
cian, must know in what element he is to operate, and what resistance he is to over¬ 
come. Taking for granted the absolute identity of their nature with ours, vTe have 
proceeded on the supposition that the perfection of their society and institutions 
must be the same as our own, and to this point have our exertions been directed. 
Allow that there is a difference in their mental, as well as physical formation—al¬ 
low that it is as impossible for us to suppress their native independence, as it would 
be to sink their high cheek bones, or bend their erect and stately figures ; that we 
can no more give them the tenderness of feeling, which makes us so dependent 
on each other, than we could impart to them the fair and roseate tints of our skin. 

Of the softness of our hair; allow this, and it follows that the perfection of their 
nature, and consequently of their institutions, is something different from the per¬ 
fection of ours. What is then the most perfect state of society in which the Indian 
can live ? What advances has he made towards attaining it ? What can we do 
to aid him in securing it? These are questions for the American statesman and 
philanthropist. 

To the northwest lies one full quarter of North America, yet uninhabited ex¬ 
cept by savage tribes. In that region is room for the Indians to form themselves 
into a mighty nation. If their leaders couM once receive a spirit of improvement, 
they could do what cannot be done by the whites; whom the Indians hate as usur¬ 
pers of a soil which of right belongs to them, and despise as, on the whole, inferior 
to themselves. Such a spirit of improvement might lead them to profit by their 


APPENDIX. 


Ill 


past errors, to select sucli among our arts and sciences as are best fitted to their pe¬ 
culiar character, and finally to form themselves into a united people; never, it is 
true, possessing what we consider the refinements of society, but perhaps exhibiting 
traits of greatness of which we have little idea. 



Br 

Sketch of Charter granted by Queen Elizabeth to Sir Humphrey 

Gilbert. 

“ This charter, granted by Elizabeth, authorizes Gilbert to discover and take 
possession of all remote and barbarous lands, unoccupied by any Christian people. 
It invests in him, his heirs, and assigns for ever, the full right of property in the 
soil of those countries, whereof he should take possession. She permits such of 
her subjects as were willing to follow Gilbert in his voyage, to go and settle in the 
countries which he shall plant. She empowers him, his heirs, and assigns, to dis¬ 
pose of whatever portions of lands he shall judge meet, to persons settled there, 
in fee simple, according to the laws of England. She ordains that all the lands 
gianted to Gilbert, shall hold of the crown of England by homage, on payment 
of the fifth part of the gold or silver ore found there. She confers upon him, his 
heirs, and assigns, the complete jurisdiction and royalties, as well marine as others, 
within the said lands, and seas thereunto adjoining: and as their common interest 
and safety would render good government necessary in their new settlements, she 
gave Gilbert, his heirs, and assigns, full power to convict, punish, pardon, govern, 
and rule, by their good discretion and policy, as well in capital or criminal, as civil 
cases, both marine and others, all persons, who shall, from time to. time, settle’ 
within the said countries, according to such statutes, laws, and ordinances, as shall 
be by him, his heirs, and assigns, devised and established for their better govern¬ 
ment. She declared that all who settled there should have and enjoy all the pri¬ 
vileges of free denizens and natives; any law, custom, or usage to the contrary, 
notwithstanding. And finally, she prohibited all persons from attempting to settle 
within two hundred leagues of any place which Sir Humphrey Gilbert, or his 
associates shall have occupied, during the space of six years.” 


C. 

Sketch of Charter granted by James I. to London and Plymouth 

Companies. 

“ As the object for which they associated was new, the plan established for their 
administration was uncommon. Instead of the power usually granted to corpo¬ 
rations, of framing laws and electing officers for the conduct of their own opera¬ 
tions, the supreme government of the colonies to be settled, was vested in a council 
resident in England, to be named by the king, according to such laws and ordi¬ 
nances as should be given under his signature ; and the subordinate jurisdiction 


APPENDIX. 


iv 

was committed to a council resident in America; which was likewise to be nomi¬ 
nated by the king, and to act conformably to his instructions. To this was added 
encouragement to persons to settle in the intended colonies, similar to those granted 
to Gilbert and Raleigh, securing to the emigrants and their descendants, all the 
rights of denizens, in the same manner as if they remained or had been bom in 
England ; and granting them the privilege of holding their lands in America, by 
the freest and ^least burdensome tenure. Other grants, made by James, were 
more favourable than those granted by Elizabeth. 

He permitted whatever was necessary for the sustenance of the commerce of the 
new colonies to be exported from England, during the space of seven years, without 
paying any duty ; and as a further incitement to industry, he granted them liberty 
of trade with other nations, and appropriated the duty to be levied on foreign 
commodities for twenty-one years, as a fund for the benefit of the colony. In this 
singular charter, some articles were as unfavourable to the rights of the colonists, 
as others were to the interests of the parent state. By placing the legislative and 
executive powers in a council nominated by the crown, and guided by its instruc¬ 
tions, every person settling in America seems to be bereaved of the noblest privi¬ 
lege of a freeman ; by the unlimited permission of trade with foreigners, the pa¬ 
rent state is deprived of that exclusive commerce which has been deemed the chief 
advantage resulting from the establishment of colonies.” 


D. 

First civil compact of the British Colonies of America, drawn up and 
SIGNED BY THE PiLGRIMS, ON BOARD THE MaYFLOWER, NoV. lltll, 1620. 

In the imme of God, Amen ; we whose names are underwritten, the loyal 
subjects of our dread sovereign lord, King James, by the grace of God, of Great 
Britain, France,'and Ireland, king, Defender of the Faith,— 

“ Having undertaken, for the glory of God, and the advancement of the Christian 
faith, and honour of the king apd country, a voyage to plant the first colony of 
Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God 
and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic, 
for our better ordering and preservation, and furtherance of the ends aforesaid ; 
and by virtue hereof, to enact, constitute, and frame such just laws, ordinances, 
constitutions, and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and 
convenient for the general good of the colony; unto which we promise all due 
submission and obedience. In witness whereof, we have hereunto subscribed our 
names, at Cape Cod, the 11th of November, in the reign of our sovereign lord. 
King James of England, France, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the 
fifty-fourth. Anno Domini, 1620.—John Carver, William Bradford, Edward Wins¬ 
low, William Brewster, Isaac Allerton, Miles Standish, John Alden, Samuel Ful¬ 
ler, James Clinton, John Crackston, John Billington, Moses Fletcher, John 
Goodman, Degory Priest, Thomas Williams, Gilbert Winslow, Christopher Mar¬ 
tin, William Mullins, William White; Richard Warren, John Howland, Stephen 
Hopkins, Edward Tilly, John Tilly, Francis Cook, Thomas Rogers, Thomas 
Tinker, Edward Fuller, Edmund Margeson, Peter Brown, Richard Briterige, 
George Soule, Richard Clarke, Richard Gardiner, John Allerton, Thomas English, 
Edward Dotey, Edward Leister, John Ridgdale, John Turner, Francis Eaton.” 


APPENDIX. 


y 


E. 


Conditions of the League entered into between the Colonies of 
Plymouth, Massachusetts, New Haven, and Connecticut. 

“ Each colony was to retain separate jurisdiction; the charge of all wars to be 
borne in proportion to the male inhabitants between sixteen and sixty years of 
age, in each colony. Upon notice of an invasion from three magistrates of any 
colony, the others were immediately to send troops in aid ;—Massachusetts one 
hundred, and each of the other colonies, forty-five; and if a greater force should 
be necessary, the commissioners were to meet, and determine the numbers. Two 
commissioners from each colony, being church members, were to meet annually, 
on the first Monday of September; the first meeting to be held in Boston; then 
at Hartford, New Haven, and Plymouth, in succession. All matters wherein six 
should agree, to be binding upon the whole ; and if there should be a majority, 
but under six, the matter in question to be referred to the general court of each 
colony, and not to be obligatory, unless the whole should agree. The commis* 
sioners were empowered to establish laws or rules of a civil nature, and of genera^ 
concern, for the conduct of the inhabitants towards the Indians and the fugitives 
from one colony to another. 

“No colony to engage in a war, except upon a sudden emergency ; and in that 
case, to be avoided, without the consent of the whole. When a meeting was sum¬ 
moned on any extraordinary occasion, and no more than four commissioners should 
attend, they were empowered to determine on war, when the case admitted of no 
delay, and to send for the quota of men out of each jurisdiction. 

“ If any colony should break an article of the league, or injure another colony, 
the matter to be considered by the other colonies.”— Hoyt. 


F. 

Sketch of Mr. Locke’s Constitution. 

“ Disssatisfied with all their own systems, the proprietors at length applied to the 
celebrated Mr. Locke, for the plan of a constitution adapted to their infant colony. 
They supposed that this profound and acute reasoner on politics as well as other 
subjects, must necessarily be deeply skilled in the science of governing men. He 
framed for them a body of fundamental laws, which were afterwards approved and 
adopted in July. By them a palatine was to be chosen for life, among the pro¬ 
prietors, who was empowered to act as president of the palatine court, composed 
of all those who were entrusted with the execution of the powers of the charter. 
A body of hereditary nobility was created, to be denominated landgraves and ca¬ 
ciques ; the former to be invested with four baronies, consisting each of four thou¬ 
sand acres, and the latter to have two, containing each two thousand acres of land. 
These estates were to descend, with the dignities for ever. The provincial legis¬ 
lature, denominated a parliament, was to consist of the proprietors; and in case 
of the absence of any one of them, his place was supplied by his deputy, chosen 


f 


VJ 


APPENDIX. 


by himself; of the nobility, and the representatives of the freeholders of every 
district. These discordant characters were to assemble in one apartment, and vote 
as a single body. This paidiaraerit could initiate nothing. The bills to be laid 
before it were first to be prepared and assented to in the grand council, composed 
of the governor, of the nobility, and the deputies of the proprietors, who were in¬ 
vested also with the executive power. At the end of every century, the laws were 
to become void, without the formality of a repeal. Various judicatories were 
erected, and an infinite variety of minute and perplexing regulations were made. 
This constitution, which was declared to be perpetual, soon furnished an addi¬ 
tional evidence to the many afforded by the history of the human race, of the 
great but neglected truth, that experience is the only safe school in which the 
science of government is to be acquired, and that the theories of the closet must 
have the stamp of practice, before they can be received with implicit confidence,” 
—Marshall. 


Sketch of Navigation Acts. 

“ In the memorable statute of 1651, it was ordained that no commodities should 
be imported into any foreign settlement, unless in vessels built either in England 
or its plantations, and manned with sailors, of whom three-fourths were subjects 
of Great Britain; that none but Englishmen born or naturalized, should act as 
merchants or factors in any of the colonies ; that no ginger, tobacco, sugar, cotton, 
wool, indigo, or other articles enumerated in the bill, should be imported into the 
colonies from any country but JEngland ; and in 1663, that no European commo¬ 
dity should be imported into the colonies, that had not been shipped in England, 
or in vessels built and manned as has been stated above. The act of navigation, 
however, allowed the settlers of America to export the enumerated commodities 
from one plantation to another, without paying any duty ; but, in the year 1672, 
they were further subjected to a tax equivalent to what was paid by the consumers 
of the same commodity in England.” —Encyclopedia. 


H. . 

Saybrook Platform. 

“ By the Saybrook platform, the ministers, elders, and messengers of all the 
churches in a county, or other district, constitute a consociation. The ministers 
of the churches in a county, or other district, form an association., which is empow¬ 
ered to examine and recommend candidates. These councils are consulted, in re¬ 
gard to religious concerns, and assist the churches in ordaining and dismissing 
their ministers; but their powers are mostly advisory. They however contribute 
by their influence, to preserve peace and harmony among the churches, restrain 
controversies, and reconcile difficulties. A general association, consisting of dele¬ 
gates from the several associations in the state, hold an annual meeting in each 
of the counties, by rotation.”— Webster. 



APPENDIX ' 


vii 





I. 


Aurora Borealis. 

“ 1 HAT so novel and singular an appearance should have produced consterna¬ 
tion, is not extraordinary. When first seen in England, the consternation was 
equally great. One who saw it gives the following description:—“ The brightness, 
bloodiness, and firiness of the colours, together with the swiftness of the motions, 
increased, insomuch that we could hardly trace them with our eyes, till at length 
almost the whole heavens appeared as if they were set on.flame ; which wrought 
and glimmered with flashes in a most dreadful and indiscribable manner. It seemed 
to threaten us with an immediate descent and deluge of fire. The streets were 
filled with dreadful outcries and lamentations, and frightened a great many people 
into their houses. And we began to think whether the Son of God was next to 
make his terrible and glorious appearance, or the conflagration of the world was 
now begun: for the elements seemed as if they \^re melting with fervent heat, 
and the ethereal vault to be burning over us, like the fiery agitations of the blaze 
of a furnace, or at the top of a fiery oven. And the glimmering light looked as if 
it proceeded from a more glorious body behind, and about to make its sudden ap • 
pearance to our eyes.’ 

“ The Aurora Borealis was first noticed in Europe in 1560; and from that time i 
was occasionally seen until 1623; and from that time for more than eighty years, 
we have no account of a similar phenomenon being observed. In 1716, Dr. Halley 
observed and described a very brilliant one, which spread itself over the north of 
Europe. Since that time, it has been common in our latitudes, and from its fre¬ 
quency, has ceased to excite alarm.” —Hoyt. 


J. 

Plan of Union proposed in the Convention at Albany, 1754. 

“ Application was to be made for an act of parliament, to establish in the colo¬ 
nies a general government, to be administered by a president general, appointed by 
the crown, and by a grand council, consisting of members chosen by the several 
colonial assemblies; their numbers to be in direct proportion to the sums paid by 
each colony into the treasury; with this restriction, that no colony should have 
more than seven, nor less than two representatives. The whole of the executive 
authority was committed to the president general. The power of legislation was 
• lodged jointly in the grand council and the president general; his consent being- 
made necessary to the passing of a bill into a law. The powers vested in the pre¬ 
sident and council, were, to declare war or peace; to conclude treaties with the 
Indian nations; to regulate trade with them, either in the name of the crown, or 
of the Union; to settle new colonies, and to make laws for governing them until 
they should be erected into separate governments; and to raise troops, build forts, 
fit out armed vessels, and use other means for the general defence. To eftect these 
purposes, a power was given to make laws laying such duties, imposts, or taxes, 
as should be found necessary, and as would be least burdensome to the people. 
All laws were to be sent to England for the approbation of the king; and unless 


APPENDIX. 


viii 

disapproved within three years, they were to remain in force. All officers in the 
land or sea service \vere to be nominated by the president general, and approved 
by the general council; civil officers were to be nominated by the council, and ap¬ 
proved by the president.”— Holmes. 



K. 


Charles Townshend^ a brilliant orator, on the side of the ministry, at the con¬ 
clusion of an animated speech, demanded:—“And these Americans, children 
planted by our care, nourished by our indulgence, protected by our arms, until 
they are grown to a good degree of strength and opulence, will they grudge to 
contribute their mite to relieve us from the h4avy load of national expense which 
we lie under ^ 

Col. Barre, immediately rising, indignantly and eloquently exclaimed:—“ Chil¬ 
dren planted by your care ! No. Your oppressions planted them in America. 
They fled from your tyranny into a then uncultivated land, where they were ex¬ 
posed to all the hardships to which human nature is liable; and among others, to 
the cruelties of a savage foe, the most subtle, and I will take upon me to say, the 
most terrible, that ever inhabited any part of God’s earth. And yet, actuated by 
principles of true English liberty, they met all these hardships with pleasure, when 
they compared them with those they suffered in their own country, from men who 
should have been their friends. 

“ They nourished by your indulgence! No. They grew by your neglect. When 
you began to care about them, that care was exercised in sending persons to rule 
over them, who were deputies of some deputy sent to spy out their liberty, to mis 
represent their actions, and to prey upon them; whose behaviour, on many occa¬ 
sions, has caused the blood of those sons of liberty to recoil within them; men 
promoted to the highest'seats of justice, some of whom were glad, by going to a 
foreign country, to escape being brought to the bar of justice in their own. 

“ They protected by your arms! They have nobly taken up arms in your defence. 
They have exerted their valour, amidst their constant and laborious industry, for 
the defence of a country which, while its frontier was drenched in blood, has yielded 
all its little savings to your emolument. Believe me, and remember, I this day 
told you so, the same spirit which actuated that people at first, still continues with 
them; but prudence forbids me to explain myself further. 

“ God knows I do not at this time speak from party heat. However superior to 
me in general knowledge and experience, any one here may be, I claim to know 
more of America, having been conversant in that country. The people there are 
as truly loyal as any subjects the king has ; but a people jealous of their liberties, 
and will vindicate them if they should be violated. But the subject is delicate; I 
will say no more.” 


APPENDIX. 


IX 


L. 

Members of the Continental Congress. 

The members of this congress were generally elected by the authority of the' 
state legislatures ; but, in some instances, a different system had been pursued^ 
In New Jersey and Maryland, the elections were made by a committee chosen in 
the several counties for that particular purpose; and, in New-York, where the 
royal party was very strong, and where it is probable no legislative act, authorizing 
an election of members to represent that colony in congress, could have been ob¬ 
tained, the people themselves assembled in those places where the spirit of opposi¬ 
tion to the claims of parliament prevailed, and elected deputies, who were readily 
received into congress. The powers, too, with which the representatives of the 
several colonies were invested, were not only variously expressed, but of various 
extent. The names of the delegates were as follows, viz. J^ew Hampshire^ John 
Sullivan, Nathaniel Fulsom. Massachusetts Bay^ James Bowdoin, Thomas Cush¬ 
ing, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine. Rhode Island and Provi¬ 
dence Plantations^ Stephen Hopkins, Samuel Ward. Connecticut^ Eliphalet Dyer, 
Roger Sherman, Silas Deane. From the city and county of Kew-York^ and other 
counties in the province of JVew-York^ James Duane, Henry Wisner, John Jay, Philip 
Livingston, Isaac Low, John Alsop. From the county of Suffolk, in the province of 
J\'ew-York, William Floyd. Kew Jersey, James Kinsey, William Livingston, John 
Dehart, Stephen Crane, Richard Smith. Pennsylvania,Ioseph. Galloway, Charles 
Humphreys, Samuel Rhoads, George Ptoss, John Morton, Thomas Mifflin, Edward 
Biddle, John Dickinson. Newcastle, Kent, and Sussex, on Delaware, Csesar Rod¬ 
ney, Thomas M’Kean, George Read. Maryland, Robert Goldsborough, Thomas 
Johnson, William Paca, Samuel Chase, Matthew Tilgham. Virginia, Peyton 
Randolph, Richard Henry Lee, George Washington, Patrick Henry, RichaiKl 
Bland, Benjamin Harrison, Edmund Pendleton. Korth Carolina, William Hooper, 
Joseph Hughes, Richard Caswell. South’Carolina, Henry Middleton, John Rut¬ 
ledge, Thomas Lynch, Christopher Gadsden, Edward Rutledge. 


M. 


Bill of Rights. 

Whereas, since the close of the last war, the British parliament, claiming a 
power, of right, to bind the people of America by statutes, in all cases whatsoever, 
hath, in some acts, expressly imposed taxes on them ; and in others, under various 
pretences, but, in fact, for the purpose of raising a revenue, hath imposed rates and 
duties payable in these colonies, established a board of commissioners with uncon¬ 
stitutional powers, and extended the jurisdiction of courts of admiralty, not only 
for collecting the said duties, but for the trial of causes merely arising within the 
body of a county. 

“ And whereas, in consequence of other statutes, judges, who before held only 
estates at will in their offices, have been made dependent on the crown alone for 

B 


X 


APPENDIX. 


their salaries, and standing armies kept in times of peace: and whereas it has 
lately been resolved in parliament, tliat by force of a statute made in the thirty- 
fifth year of the reign of King Henry VII. colonists may be transported to Eng>- 
land, and tried there, upon accusations for treasons, and misprisons and conceal¬ 
ment of treasons committed in the colonies; and by a late statute, such trials have 
been directed in cases therein mentioned. 

i^nd whereas in the last session of parliament three statutes were made ; one 
entitled, “ An act to discontinue in such manner and for such time as are therein 
mentioned, the landing and discharging, lading or shipping of goods, wares, and 
merchandise, at the town and within the harbour of Boston, in the province of 
Massachusetts Bay, in North America;” another, entitled, “ An Act for the better 
regulating the government of the province of Massachusetts Bay, in New Eng¬ 
land and another act, entitled, “ An Act for the impartial administration of jus¬ 
tice, in the cases of persons questioned for any act done by them in the execution 
of the law, or for the suppression of riots and tumults in the province of Massa¬ 
chusetts Bay, in New England:” and another statute was then made for making 
more effectual provision for the government of the province of Quebec, &c. All 
which statutes are impolitic, unjust, and cruel, as well as unconstitutional, and 
most dangerous and destructive of American rights. 

And whereas assemblies have been frequently dissolved, contrary to the rights 
of the people, when they attempted to deliberate on grievances ; and their dutiful, 
humble, loyal, and reasonable petitions to the crown for redress, have been repeat¬ 
edly treated with contempt, by his majesty’s ministers of state ; the good people 
of the several colonies of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, and 
Providence plantations, Connecticut, New-York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New¬ 
castle, Kent, and Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and 
South Carolina—justly alarmed at the arbitrary proceedings of parliament and 
administrations, have severally elected, constituted, and appointed deputies to meet 
and sit in general congress, in the city of Philadelphia, in order to obtain such 
establishment as that their religion, laws, and liberties may not be subverted: 
whereupon, the deputies so appointee^ being now assembled in a full and free re¬ 
presentation of these colonies, taking into their most serious consideration the best 
means of attaining the ends aforesaid, do, in the first place, as Englishmen, their an¬ 
cestors, in like cases, have usually done for asserting and vindicating their rights and 
liberties, declare^ that the inhabitants of the English colonies in North America, by 
the immutable laws of nature, the principles of the English constitution, and the 
several charters or compacts, have the following rights :— 

Resolved unanimously —1st, That they are entitled to life, liberty, and propei-ty; 
and they have never ceded to any sovereign, whatsoever, a right to dispose of either 
without their consent. 

Resolved —2d, That our ancestors, who first settled these colonies, were, at the 
time of their emigration from the mother country, entitled to all the rights, liber¬ 
ties, and immunities of free and natural born subjects within the realm of England. 

Resolved —3d, That by such emigration, they by no means forfeited, surrendered, 
or lost any of those rights, but that they were, and their descendants now are en¬ 
titled to the exercise and enjoyment of all such of them as their local and other 
circumstances enabled them to exercise and enjoy. 

Resolved 4th, That the foundation of English liberty, and of all free government, 
is a right in the people to participate in their legislative councils ; and as the Eng¬ 
lish colonists are not represented, and from their local and other circumstances, 
cannot properly be represented in the British parliament, they are entitled to a free 


APPENDIX. 


XI 


and exclusive power of legislation in their several provincial legislatures, where 
their right of representation can alone be preserved in all cases of taxation and 
internal polity, subject only to the negative of their sovereign in such manner as 
has been heretofore used and accustomed; but from the necessity of the case, and 
a regard to the mutual interests of both countries, we cheerfully consent to the 
operation of such acts of the British parliament as are hona Jide restrained to the 
regulation of our external commerce, for the purpose of securing the commeroial 
advantages of the whole empire to the mother country, and the commercial bene¬ 
fits of its respective members ; excluding every idea of taxation, internal or exter¬ 
nal, for raising a revenue on the subjects of America, without their consent. 

Resolved —5th, That the respective colonies are entitled to the common law of 
England, and more especially to the great and inestimable privilege of being tried 
by the peers of the vicinage, according to the course of that law. ' 

Resolved —6th, That they are entitled to the benefit of such of the English sta¬ 
tutes, as existed at the time of their colonization ; and which they have, by expe¬ 
rience, respectively found to be applicable to their several local and other circum¬ 
stances. 

Resolved —7th, That these, his majesty’s colonies, are likewise entitled to all 
the privileges and immunities, granted and confirmed to them by royal charters, or 
secured by their several codes of provincial laws. 

Resolved —8th, That they have a right peaceably to assemble, consider of their 
grievances, and petition the king ; and that all prosecutions, prohibitory proclama¬ 
tions, and commitments for the same, are illegal. 

Resolved —9th, That the keeping a standing army in these colonies in times of 
peace, without the consent of the legislature of that colony in which such army is 
kept, is against law. 

Resolved —10th, It is indispensably necessary to good government, and rendered 
essential by the English constitution, that the constituent branches of the legisla¬ 
ture be independent of each other; that, therefore, the exercise of legislative 
power in several colonies, by a council appointed during pleasure by the crown, 
is unconstitutional, dangerous, and destructive to the freedom of American le¬ 
gislation. 

All and each of which the aforesaid deputies in behalf of themselves and their 
constituents, do claim, demand, and insist on, as their indubitable rights and liber¬ 
ties, which cannot be legally taken from them, altered or abridged by any power 
whatever, without their own consent, by their representatives in their several pro¬ 
vincial legislatures. In the course of our inquiry, we find many infringments and 
violations of the foregoing rights, which, from an ardent desire that harmony and 
mutual intercourse of affection and interest may be restored, we pass over for the 
present, and proceed to state such acts and measures as have been adopted, since 
the last war, which demonstrate a system formed to enslave America. 


XII 


DECLARATION OF 


THE 

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE 

OF THE 


UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 

Signed on the Ath of July, 1776, hy a Congress of Delegates, assembled 
at Philadelphia, from the states of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, 
Rhode Island, Connecticut, New- York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, 
Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, 
Georgia. 




When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to 
dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to as¬ 
sume, among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the 
laws of nature and of nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions 
of mankind, requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the 
separation. 

We hold these truths to be self-evident—that all men are created equal; that 
they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable rights ; that among 
these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, 
governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent 
of the governed ; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of 
these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute a 
new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers 
in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happi¬ 
ness, Prudence, indeed, will dictate, that governments long established, should 
not be changed for light and transient causes; and, accordingly, all experience 
hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, wdiile evils are sufferable, 
than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. 
But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same 
object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, 
it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their 
future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies ; and such 
is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former systems of govern¬ 
ment.—The history of the present king of Great Britain, is a history of repeated 
injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an abso¬ 
lute tyranny over these States. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid 
world. 


INDEPENDENCE. xiii 

He has refused his assent to laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the pub¬ 
lic good. 

fie has forbidden his governors to pass laws of immediate and pressing impor¬ 
tance, unless suspended in their operation till his assent should be obtained ; and, 
when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them. 

He has refused to pass other laws, for the accommodation of large districts of 
people, unless those people would relinquish the right of representation in the 
legislature—a right inestimable to them, and formidable to tyrants only. 

He has called together legislative bodies, at places unusual, uncomfortable, and 
distant from the depository of their public records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing 
them into compliance with his measures. 

He has dissolved Representative Houses, repeatedly, for opposing with manly 
firmness his invasions on the rights of the people. 

He has refused, for a long time after such dissolutions, to cause others to be 
elected ; whereby the legislative powers, incapable of annihilation, have returned 
to the people at large, for their exercise ; the state remaining, in the meantime, 
exposed to all the danger of invasion from without, and convulsions within. 

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these states ; for that purpose 
obstructing the laws for naturalization of foreigners ; refusing to pass others to en¬ 
courage their migration hither, and raising the conditions of new appropriations 
of lands. 

He has obstructed the administration of justice, by refusing his assent to laws, 
for establishing judiciary powers. 

He has made judges dependent on his will alone for the tenure of their offices, 
and the amount and payment of their salaries. 

He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers, to 
harass our people, and eat out their substance. 

He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing armies, without the consent 
of our legislature. 

He has affected to render the military independent of, and superior to the civil 
power. 

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction, foreign to our con¬ 
stitution, and unacknowledged by our laws ; giving his assent to their acts of pre¬ 
tended legislation. 

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us : 

For protecting them, by a mock trial, from punishment for any murders which 
they should commit on the inhabitants of these states: 

For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world: 

For imposing taxes on us without our consent: 

For depriving us, in many cases, of the benefits of trial by jury: 

For transporting us, beyond the seas, to be tried for pretended offences: 

For abolishing the free system of English laws in a neighbouring province, 
establishing therein an arbitrary government, and enlarging its boundaries, so as to 
render it at once an example and fit instrument, for introducing the same absolute 
rule into these colonies : 

For taking away our charters, abolishing our most valuable laws, and altering 
fundamentally the pov/ers of our governments : 

For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with 
power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever. 

He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of his protection, and 

waging war against us. 


XIV 


DECLARATION OF 


He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed 
the lives of our people. 

He is, at this time, transporting largo armies of foreign mercenaries to complete 
the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already began, with circumstances 
of cruelty and perfidy, scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally 
unworthy the head of a civilized nation. 

He has constrained our fellow citizens, taken captive on the high seas, to bear arms 
against their country, to become the executioners of their friends and brethren, or 
to fall themselves by their hands. 

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring 
on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian savages, whose known 
rule of warfare is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes, and conditions. 

In every stage of these oppressions, we have petitioned for redress, in the most 
humble terms ; our repeated petitions have been answered only by repeated in¬ 
jury. A prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a 
tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. 

Nor have we been wanting in attention to our British brethren. We have 
warned them from time to time, of attempts, made by their legislature, to extend 
an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circum¬ 
stances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native 
justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common 
kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our con¬ 
nexions and correspondence. They, too, have been deaf to the voice of justice 
and consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity which de¬ 
nounces our separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind—enemies 
in war—in peace, friends. 

We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in general 
congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world, for the recti¬ 
tude of our intentions, Do, in the name and by the authority of the good people 
of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these United Colonies are, 
and of right ought to be, free and independent states.—That they are absolved 
from all allegiance to the British crown, and that all political connexion between 
them and the state of Great Britain, is, and ought to be, totally dissolved ; and 
that as free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude 
peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things 
which independent states may of right do. And for the support of this declara¬ 
tion, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually 
pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honour.” 

The members of the congress of 1776, who signed this declaration, were as 
follows: 

J^ew Hampshire .—John Hancock, Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew 
Thornton. 

Massachusetts Bay.—Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge 
Gerry. 

Rhode Island .—Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery. 

Connecticut .—Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver 
Wolcott. 

jVeia-York.—William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris. 

Mew Jersey.— Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John 
Hart, Abram Clark. 


INDEPENDENCE. 


XV 


Pennsylvania. —Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Mor¬ 
ton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross. 

Delaware. —C®sar Rodney, George Read, Thomas M. Kean. 

Maryland. —Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll, of 
Carrollton. 

Virginia. —George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin 
Harrison, Thomas Nelson, jun. Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton. 

Morth Carolina. —William Hooper, Joseph Hughes, John Penn. 

South Carolina. —Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, jun., Thomas Lynch, 
jun., Arthur Middleton. 

Georgia. —Button Gwinnett, Lyman HaH, George Walton. 


♦ 


ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION. 

The following articles were drawn up by a committee of gentlemen, who were 
appointed by congress for this purpose, June 12th, 1776, and finally adopted Nov. 
15th, 1777. 

The committee were Messrs. Bartlett, S. Adams, Hopkins, Sherman, R. R. Liv¬ 
ingston, Dickinson, M’Kean, Stone, Nelson, Hewee, E. Rutledge, and Gwinnel. 

Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, between the states of New 
Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Con¬ 
necticut, New-York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, 
North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. 

Article 1. The stile of this confederacy shall be “ The United States of America.” 

Article 2. Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence, and 
every power, jurisdiction, and right, which is not by this confederation expressly 
delegated to the United States in congress assembled. 

Article 3. The said states hereby severally enter into a firm league of friendship 
with each other for their common defence, the security of their liberties, and their 
mutual and general welfare; binding themselves to assist each other against all 
force offered to, or attacks made upon them, or any of them, on account of religion, 
sovereignty, trade, or any other pretence whatever. 

Article 4. The better to secure and perpetuate mutual friendship and intercourse 
among the people of the different states in this union, the free inhabitants of each 
of these states, (paupers, vagabonds, and fugitives from justice excepted,) shall be 
entitled to all privileges and immunities of free citizens in the several states; and 
the people of each state shall have free ingress and regress to and from any other 
state, and shall enjoy therein all the privileges of trade and commerce, subject to 
the same duties, impositions, and restrictions as the inhabitants thereof re¬ 
spectively, provided, that such restriction shall not extend so far as to prevent the 
removal of property imported into any state to any other state, of which the owner 
is an inhabitant; provided also t‘hat no imposition, duties or restriction, shall be 
laid by any state on the property of the United States or either of them. 

If any person guilty of, or charged with treason, felony, or other high misde¬ 
meanor in any state, shall flee from justice, and be found in any of the United 
States, he shall, upon demand of the governor or executive power of the state from 



XVI 


ARTICLES OF 


which he fled, be delivered up, and removed to the state having jurisdiction of his 
offence. 

Full faith and credit shall be given in each of these states to the records, acts, 
and judicial proceedings of the courts and magistrates of every other state. 

Article 5. For the more convenient management of the general interests of the 
United States, delegates shall be annually appointed, in such manner as the legis¬ 
lature of each state shall direct, to meet in congress on the first Monday in Novem¬ 
ber, in every year, with a power reserved to each state to recal its delegates, or 
any of them, at any time within the year, and to send others in their stead, for the 
remainder of the year. 

No state shall be represented in congress by less than two, nor by more than 
seven members ; and no person shall be capable of being a delegate for more than 
three years in any term of six years ;,nor shall any person, being a delegate, be 
capable of holding any office under the United States, for which he, or any other 
for his benefit, receives any salary, fees, or emolument of any kind. 

Each state shall maintain its own delegates in any meeting of the states, and 
while they act as members of the committee of the states. 

In determining questions in the United States in congress assembled, each state 
shall have one vote. 

Freedom of speech and debate in congress, shall not be impeached or questioned 
in any court or place out of congress; and the members of congress shall be pro¬ 
tected in their persons from arrests and imprisonments, during the time of their 
going to and from, and attendance on congress, except for treason, felony, or 
breach of the peace. 

Article 6. No state, without the consent of the United States in congress assem¬ 
bled, shall send any embassy to, or receive any embassy from, or enter into any 
conference, agreement, alliance, or treaty with any king, prince, or state ; nor shall 
any person holding any office of profit or trust under the United States, or any of 
thein, accept of any present, emolument, office, or title, of any kind whatever, 
from any king, prince, or foreign state ; nor shall the United States, in congress 
assembled, or any of them, grant any title of nobility. 

No two or more states shall enter into any treaty, confederation, or alliance 
whatever between them, without the consent of the United States in congress as¬ 
sembled, specifying accurately the purposes for which the same is to be entered 
into, and how long it shall continue. 

No state shall lay any imposts or duties, which may interfere with any stipula¬ 
tions in treaties entered into by the United States in congress assembled with any 
king, prince, or state, in pursuance of any treaties already proposed by co-ngress 
to the courts of France and Spain. 

No vessels of war shall be kept up in time of peace by any state, except such 
number only, as shall be deemed necessary by the United States in congress as¬ 
sembled, for the defence of such state, or its trade ; nor shall any body of forces 
be kept up by any state, in time of peace, except such number only, as in the judg¬ 
ment of the United States, in congress assembled, shall be deemed requisite to gar¬ 
rison the forts necessary for the defence of such state ; but every state shall always 
keep up a well regulated and disciplined militia, sufficiently armed and accoutred; 
and shall provide and have constantly ready for use, in public stores, a due number 
of field pieces and tents, and a proper quantity of arms, ammunition, and camp 
equipage. 

No state shall engage in any war without the consent of the United States ia 
congress assembled, unless such state be actually invaded by enemies, or s-hall have 


CONFEDERATION. 


xvii 


certain advice of a resolution being formed, by some nation of Indians, to invade 
such a state, and the danger is so imminent as not to admit of a delay, till the 
United States in congress assembled can be consulted; nor shall any state grant 
commissions to any ships or vessels of war,'nor letters of marque or reprisal, ex¬ 
cept it be after a declaration of war by the United States in congress assembled; 
and then only against the kingdom or state, and the subjects thereof, against which 
war has been so declared, and under such regulations as shall be established by the 
United States in congress assembled, unless such state be infested by pirates; in 
which case, vessels of war may be fitted out for that occasion, and kept so long as 
the danger shall continue, or until the United States in congress assembled shall 
determine otherwise. 

Article 7. When land forces are raised by any state, for the common defence, 
all officers of, or under the rank of colonel, shall be appointed by the legislature 
of each state respectively, by whom such forces shall be raised, or in such manner 
as such state shall direct; and all vacancies shall be filled up by the state which 
first made the appointment. 

Article 8. All charges of war, and all other expenses, that shall be incurred for 
the common defence or general welfare, and allowed by the United States in con¬ 
gress assembled, shall be defrayed out of a common treasury, which shall be sup¬ 
plied by the several states, in proportion to the value of all land within each state, 
granted to, or surveyed for any person, as such land, and the buildings and im¬ 
provements thereon, shall be estimated, according to such mode as the United 
States in congress assembled, shall from time to time direct and appoint. 

The taxes for paying that proportion, shall be laid and levied by the authority 
and direction of the legislatures of the several states, within the time agreed upon 
by the United States in congress assembled. 

Article 9. The United States in congress assembled, shall have the sole and ex¬ 
clusive right and power of determining on peace and war, except in the cases men¬ 
tioned in the sixth article—of sending and receiving ambassadors—entering into 
treaties and alliances, provided, that no treaty of commerce shall be made, whereby 
the legislative power of the respective states shall be restrained from imposing 
such imposts and duties on foreigners as their own people are subjected to, or 
from prohibiting the exportation or importation of any species of goods or .com¬ 
modities whatsoever—of establishing rules for decidizig in all cases, what captures 
on land or water, shall be legal, and in what manner prizes taken by land or naval 
forces in the service of the United States shall be divided or appropiated—of grant¬ 
ing letters of marque and reprisal in time of peace—appointing courts for the trial 
of piracies and felonies committed on the high seas, and establishing courts for re¬ 
ceiving and determining finally appeals in all cases of captures, provided that no 
member of congress shall be appointed judge of any of the said courts. 

The United States, in congress assembled, shall also be the last resort on appeal, 
in all disputes and differences, now subsisting, or that hereafter may arise between 
two or more states, concerning boundary, jurisdiction, or any other ca,use what¬ 
ever ; which authority shall always be exercised in the manner following; when¬ 
ever the legislative, or executive authority, or lawful agent of any state, in con¬ 
troversy with another, shall present a petition to congress, stating the matter in 
question, and praying for a hearing, notice thereof shall be given, by order of con¬ 
gress, to the legislative, or executive authority of the other state in controversy, 
and a day assigned for the appearance of the parties, by their lawful agents, who 
shall then be directed to appoint, by joint consent, commissioners, or judges, to- 
constitute a court for hearing and determining the matter in question; but if they 

C 


XVlll 


ARTICLES OF 


cannot agree, congress shall name three persons out of each of the United States, 
and from the list of such persons each party shall alternately strike out one, the 
petitioners beginning, until the number shall be reduced to thirteen ; and from that 
number not less than seven, nor more than nine names, as congress shall direct, 
shall, in the presence of congress, be drawn out by lot; and the persons, whose names 
shall be so drawn, or any five of them, shall be commissioners, or judges, to hear 
and finally determine the controversy ; so always as a major part of the judges, who 
shall hear the cause, shall agree in the determination : and if either party shall 
neglect to attend at the day appointed, without showing reasons, which congress 
shall judge sufficient, or, being present,shall refuse to strike, the congress shall pro¬ 
ceed to nominate three persons out of each state, and the secretary of congress shall 
strike in behalf of such party absent or refusing ; and the judgment and sentence 
of the court to be appointed, in the manner before prescribed, shall be final and 
conclusive ; and if any of the parties shall refuse to submit to the authority of 
such court, or to appear or defend their claim or cause, the court shall neverthe¬ 
less proceed to pronounce sentence, or judgment, which shall, in like manner, be 
final and decisive, the judgment, or sentence, or other proceedings, being, in either 
case, transmitted to congress, and lodged among the acts of congress, for the secu¬ 
rity of the parties concerned : provided, that every commissioner, before he sits in 
judgment, shall take an oath to be administered by one of the judges of the su¬ 
preme or superior court of the state, where the cause shall be tried, “ well and 
truly to hear and determine the matter in question, according to the best of his 
judgment, without favour, affection, or hope of rewardprovided also that no 
state shall be deprived of territory for the benefit of the United States. 

All controversies concerning the private right of soil, claimed under different 
grants of two or more states, whose jurisdictions, as they may respect such lands 
and the states which passed such grants are adjusted, the said grants, or either of 
them being, at the same time, claimed to have originated antecedent to such settle¬ 
ment of jurisdiction, shall, on the petition of either party to the congress of the 
United States, be finally determined, as near as may be, in the same manner, as is 
before prescribed, for deciding disputes respecting territorial jurisdiction between 
different states. 

The United States, in congress assembled, shall also have the sole and exclusive 
right and power of regulating the alloy and value of coin struck by their own 
authority, or by that of the respective states : fixing the standard of weights and 
measures throughout the United States ; regulating the trade, and managing all 
affairs with the Indians, not members of any of the states; provided that the legis¬ 
lative right of any state within its own limits be not infringed, or violated ; esta¬ 
blishing and regulating post offices, from one state to another, throughout the 
United States, and exacting such postage on the papers passing through the same, 
as may be requisite to defray the expenses of the said office ; appointing all officers 
of the land forces in the service of the United States, excepting regimental officers ; 
appointing all the officers of the naval forces, and commissioning all officers what¬ 
ever in the service of the United States ; making rules for the government and 
regulation of the said land and naval forces, and directing their operations. 

The United States, in congress assembled, shall have authority to appoint a 
committee to sit in the recess of congress, to be denominated “ a committee of the 
states,” and to consist of one delegate from each state, and to appoint such other 
committees and other civil officers as may be necessary for managing the general 
affairs of the United States, under their direction; to appoint one of their number 
to preside, provided that no person be allowed to serve in the office of president 


CONFEDERATION. 


XIX 


more tlian one year in any term of three years ; to ascertain the necessary sums 
of money to be raised for the service of the United States, and to appropriate and 
^•ppiy the same for defraying the public expenses ; to borrow money, or emit bills 
on the credit of the United States, transmitting every half year, to the respective 
states, an account of the sums of money, so borrowed, or emitted : to build and 
equip a navy; to agree upon the number of land forces, and to make requisitions 
from each state for its quota, in proportion to the number of wliite inhabitants in 
such state ; which requisition shall be binding, and thereupon the legislature of 
each state shall appoint the regimental officers, raise the men, and clothe, arm, 
and equip them in a soldier-like manner, at the expense of the United States ; and 
the officers and men, so clothed, armed, and equipped, shall march to the place ap¬ 
pointed, and within the time agreed on by the United States, in congress assem¬ 
bled : but if the United States, in congress assembled, shall, on consideration of 
circumstances, judge proper that any state should not raise ineix, or should raise 
a smaller number than its quota, and that any other state should raise a greater 
number of men than the quota thereof, such extra number shall be raised, officered, 
clothed, armed, and equipped in the same manner as the quota of such state, unless 
the legislature of such state shall judge that such extra number cannot be safely 
spared out of the same ; in which case they shall raise, officer, clothe, arm, and 
equip as many of such extra number as they judge can be safely spared. And the 
officers and men, so clothed, armed, and equipped, shall march to the place ap¬ 
pointed, and within the time agreed on by the United States, in congress assembled. 

The United States, in congress assembled, shall never engage in a war, nor grant 
letters of marque and reprisal in time of peace, nor enter into any treaties or alli¬ 
ances, nor coin money, nor regulate the value thereof, nor ascertain the sums and 
expenses necessary for the defence and welfare of the United States, or any of 
them; nor emit bills, nor borrow money on the credit of the United States, nor 
appropriate money, nor agree upon the number of vessels of war to be built, or pur¬ 
chased, or the number of land or sea forces to be raised ; nor appoint a commander- 
in-chief of the army, or navy, unless nine states assent to the same; nor shall a 
question on any other point, except for adjourning, from day to day, be deter¬ 
mined, unless by the votes of a majority of the United States, in congress as¬ 
sembled. 

The congress of the United States shall have power to adjourn to any time 
within the year, and to any place within the United States, so that no period of 
adjournment be for a longer duration than the space of six months, and shall pub¬ 
lish the journal of their proceedings montlily, except such parts thereof, relating to 
treaties, alliances, or military operations, as in their judgment required secrecy ; 
and the yeas and nays of the delegates of each state on any question, shall be en¬ 
tered on the journal, when it is desired by any delegate ; and the delegates of a 
a state, or any of them, at his or their request, shall be furnished with a transcript 
of the said journal except such parts as are above excepted, to lay before the legis¬ 
latures of the several states. 

Article 10. The committee of the states, or any nine of them, shall be autho¬ 
rized to execute, in the recess of congress, such of the powers of congress, as the 
United States, in congress assembled, by the consent of nine states, shall, from time 
to time, think expedient to vest them with, provided that no power be delegated 
to the said committee, for the exercise of which, by the articles of confederation, 
the voice of nine states, in the congress of the United States assembled, is requisite. 

Article 11. Canada acceding to this confederation, and joining in the measures 
of the United States, shall be admitted into and entitled to all the advantages of 


XX 


ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION. 


this union : but no other colony shall be admitted into the same, unless such ad¬ 
mission be agreed to by nine states. 

Article 12. All bills of credit emitted, monies borrowed, and debts contrs|.cted 
by or under the authority of congress, before the assembling of the United States, 
in pursuance of the present confederation, shall be deemed and considered as a 
charge against the United States, for payment and satisfaction whereof the said 
United States and the public faith are hereby solemnly pledged. 

Article 13. Every state shall abide by the determinations of the United States, 
in congress assembled, on all questions which, by this confederation, are submitted 
to them. And the articles of this confederation shall be inviolably observed by 
every state, and the union shall be perpetual; nor shall any alteration, at any 
time hereafter, be made in any of them; unless such alteration be agreed to in a 
congress of the United States, and be afterwards confirmed by the legislatures of 
every state. , ' 

These articles shall be proposed to the legislatures of all the United States, to 
be considered, and if approved of by them, they are advised to authorise their de¬ 
legates to ratify the same in the congress of the United States ; which being done, 
the same shall become conclusive. \ 


CONSTITUTION. 


x}a 


THE CONSTITUTION 

op THE 

% 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 

Framed during the year 1787, by a convention of delegates, who met at 
Philadelphia, from the states oj New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Con¬ 
necticut, New- York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, 
Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia. 

We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, es¬ 
tablish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common defence, pro¬ 
mote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our 
posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. 

ARTICLE I. 

SECTION I. * 

All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a congress of the United 
States, which shall consist of a senate and house of representatives. 

SECTION II. 

I. The house of representatives shall be composed of members, chosen every 
second year by the people of the several states, and the electors in each state shall 
have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the 
state legislature. 

II. No person shall be a representative, who shall not have attained to the age 
of twenty-five years, and been seven years a citizen of the United States, and wh® 
shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that state in which he shall be chosen. 

III. Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the several 
states which may be included within this Union, according to their respective 
numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole number of free persons, 
including those bound to servitude for a term of years, and excluding Indians not 
taxed, three-fifths of all other persons. The actual enumeration shall be made 
within three year^^after the first meeting of the congress of the United States, 
and within every subsequent term of ten years, in such manner as they shall by 
law direct. The number of representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty 
thousand, but each state shall have at least one representative: and, until such 
enumeration shall be made, the state of New Hampshire shall be entitled to choose 
three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations one, 


xxii CONSTITUTION. 

Connecticut five, New-York six, Now Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware 
one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five. South Carolina five, and 
Georgia three. 

IV. When vacancies happen in the representation from any state, the executive 
authority thereof shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies. 

V. The house of representatives shall choose their speaker, and other officers ; 
and shall have the sole power of impeachment. 

SECTION III. 

I. The senate of the United States shall be composed of two senators from each 
state, chosen by the legislature thereof, for six years : and each senator shall have 
one vote. 

II. Immediately after they shall be assembled, in consequence of the first elec¬ 
tion, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three classes. The seats of 
the senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of the second year, 
of the second class at the expiration of the fourth year, and of the third class at 
the expiration of the sixth year, so that one-third may be chosen every second year; 
and if vacancies happen by resignation, or otherwise, during the recess of the legis¬ 
lature of any state, the executive thereof may make temporary appointments, un¬ 
til the next meeting of the legislature, which shall then fill such vacancies. 

III. No person shall be a senator who shall not have attained to the age of 
thirty years, and been nine years a citizen of the United States, and who shall not, 
when elected, be an inhabitant of that state for which he shall be chosen. 

IV. The vice president of the United States shall be president of the senate, 
but shall have no vote, unless they be equally divided. 

V. The senate shall choose their other officers, and also a president pro tempore, 
in the absence of the vice president, or when he shall exercise the office of pre¬ 
sident of the United States. 

VI. The senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments. When sit¬ 
ting for that purpose, they shall be on oath, or affirmation. When the president 
of the United States is tried, the chief justice shall preside : and no person shall 
be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of the members present. 

VII. Judgment in cases of impeachment shall not extend further than to re¬ 
moval from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honour, trust, 
or profit under the United States ; but the party convicted shall nevertheless be 
liable and subject to indictment, trial, judgment, and punishment, according to law. 


SECTION IV. 

I. The times, places, and manner of holding elections for senators and repre¬ 

sentatives, shall be prescribed in each state by the legislature thereof; but the 
congress may, at any time by law, make or alter such regulations, except as to the 
places of choosing senators. ^ 

II. The congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting 
shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall, by law, appoint a 
Jifferent day. 

I 

A' 


\ ^ CONSTITUTION. xxiil 

L SECTION V. 

I. Each house shall be the judge of the elections, returns, and qualifications of 
its own members, and a majority of each shall constitute a quorum to do business; 
but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and may bo authorized to 
compel tlie attendance of absent members, in such manner and under such penal¬ 
ties as each house may provide. 

II. Each house may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members 
for disorderly behaviour, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member. 

HI. Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and from time to time 
publish the same, excepting such parts as may, in their judgment, require secrecy; 
and the yeas and nays of the members of either house, on any question, shall, at 
the desire of one-fifth of those present, be entered on the journals. 

IV. Neither house, during the session of congress, shall, without the consent of 
the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than that in 
which the two houses shall be sitting. 

SECTION VI. 

I. The senators and representatives -shall receive a compensation for their ser¬ 
vices, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the treasury of the United States. 
They shall, in all cases except treason, felony, and breach of peace, be privileged 
from arrest during their attendance at the session of their respective houses, and 
in going to and returning from the same ; and for any speech "or debate in either 
house, they shall not be questioned in any other place. 

II. No senator or representative shall, during the time for which he was elected, 
be appointed to any civil office under the authority of the United States, which 
shall have been created, or the emoluments whereof shall have been increased 
during such time ; and no person, holding any office under the United States, shall 
be a member of either house during his continuance in office. 

Section vii. 

I. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the house of representatives; 
but the senate may propose or concur with amendments, as on other bills. 

II. Every bill which shall have passed the house of representatives and the 
senate shall, before it becomes a law, be presented to the president of the United 
States ; if he approve, he shall sign it, but if not, he shall return it, with his objec¬ 
tions, to that house in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the objec¬ 
tions at large on their journal, and proceed to re-consider it. If, after such re¬ 
consideration, two-thirds of that house shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, 
together with the objections, to the other house, by which it shall likewise be re 
considered, and if approved by two-thirds of that house, it shall become a law. But 
in all such cases the votes of both houses shall be determined by yeas and nays, 
and the names of the persons voting for and against the bill shall be entered on the 
journal of each house respectively. If any bill shall not be returned by the pre¬ 
sident within ten days, (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to 
him, the same shall be a law, in like manner as if he had signed it, unless the 
congress, by their adjournment, prevent its return, in which case it shall not 
be a law. 


XXIV 


CONSTITUTION. 


III. Every order, resolution, or vote, to Avhich the concurrence of the senate and 
house of representatives may be necessary (except on a question of adjournment) 
shall be presented to the president of the United States; and before the same shall 
take effect, shall be approved by him; or, being disapproved by him, shall be 
repassed by two-thirds of the senate and house of representatives, according to 
tne rules and limitations prescribed in the case of a bill. 

SECTION VIII. 

The congress shall have power— 

I. To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises ; to pay the debts, and 
provide for the common defence and general welfare of the United States; but all 
duties, imposts, ajid excises shall be uniform throughout the United States. 

II. To borrow money on the credit of the United States. 

III. To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, 
and with the Indian tribes. 

IV. To establish a uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on the sub¬ 
ject of bankruptcies throughout the United States. 

V. To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin, and fix the 
standard of weights and measures. 

VI. To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and current 
coin of the United States. 

VII. To establish post offices and post roads. 

VIII. To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing, for limited 
times, to authors and inventors, the exclusive right to their respective writings and 
discoveries. 

IX. To constitute tribunals inferior to the supreme court. 

X. To define and punish piracies and felonies, committed on the high seas, and 
offences against the law of nations. 

XI. To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules con¬ 
cerning captures on land, or water. i 

XII. To raise and support armies; but no appropriation of money to that use 
shall be for a longer term than two years. * 

XIII. To provide and maintain a navy. 

XVI. To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval 
forces. 

XV. To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the Union, 
suppress insurrections, and repel invasions. 

XVI. To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the militia, and for 
governing such part of them as may be employed in the service of the United States, 
reserving to the states respectively, the appointment of the officers, and the autho¬ 
rity of training the militia, according to the discipline prescribed by congress. 

XVII. To exercise exclusive legislation, in all cases whatsoever over such dis¬ 
trict (not exceeding ten miles square) as may, by cession of particular states, and 
the acceptance of congress, become the seat of the government of the United States, 
and to exercise like authority over all places purchased by the consent of the legis¬ 
lature of the state in which the same shall be, for the erection of forts, magazines, 
arsenals, dock yards, and other needful buildings :—and 

XVIII. To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into 
execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vfested by this constitution 
in the government of the United States, or in any department, or office thereof. 


C^ONSTITUTION. 


XXV 


SECTION IX. 

I. The migration or importation of such persons as any of the states now exist¬ 
ing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the congress, prior to 
the year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a tax or duty may be imposed 
on such importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each person. 

II. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless 
when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it. 

III. No bill of attainder, or ex post facto law, shall be passed. 

IV. No capitation, or other direct tax shall be laid, unless in proportion to the 
census, or enumeration, herein before directed to be taken. 

V. No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported from any state. No pre¬ 
ference shall be given, by any regulation of commerce or revenue, to the ports of 
one state over those of another; nor shall vessels, bound to or from one state, be 
obliged to enter, clear, or pay duties in another. 

VI. No money shall be drawn from the treasury, but in consequence of appro-* 
priations made by law ; and a regular statement and account of the receipts and 
expenditures of all public money shall be published from time to time. 

VII. No title of nobility shall be granted by th’e United States; and no person 
holding any office of profit or trust under them, shall, without ihe consent of con¬ 
gress, accept of any present, emolument, office, or title of any kind whatever, from 
any king, prince, or foreign state. 

SECTION X. 

I. No state shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or confederation ; grant letters 
of marque and reprisal; coin money ; emit bills of credit; make any thing but 
gold and silver coin a tender in payment of debts ; pass any bill of attainder, ex 
post facto law, or law impairing the obligation of contracts, or grant any title of 
nobility. 

II. No state shall, without the consent of congress, lay any imposts or duties on 
imports or exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing its in¬ 
spection laws : and the net produce of all duties and imposts, laid by any state on 
imports and exports, shall be for the use of the treasury of the United States, and 
all such laws shall be subject to the revision and control of congress. No state 
shall, without the consent of congress, lay any duty of tonnage, keep troo])s, or 
ships of war, in time of peace, enter into any agreement or compact with another 
state, or with a foreign power, or engage in war, unless actually invaded, or in 
such imminent danger as will not admit of delay. 

ARTICLE II. 

SECTION I. 

I. The executive power sliall be vested in a president of. the United States of 
America. He shall hold his office during the term of four years, and, together 
with the vice president, chosen for the same term, be elected as follows : 

If. Each state shall appoint, in such manner as the legislature thereof may di¬ 
rect, a number of electors, equal to the whole number of senators and representa^ 
tives to wliich tlie state may be entitled in the congress; but no senator or repre* 

D 


XXVI 


CONSTITUTION. 


sentative, or person holding an office of trust or profit under the United States, 
shall be appointed an elector. 

III. The electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by ballot for two 
persons, of whom one at least shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with 
themselves. And they shall make a list of all the persons voted for, and of the 
number of votes for each; which list they shall sign and certify, and transmit, 
sealed, to the seat of government of the United States, directed to the president of 
the senate. ‘ The president of the senate shall, in the presence of the senate and 
house of representatives, open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted. 
The person having the greatest ifumber of votes shall be the president, if such 
number be a majority of the whole number of electors appointed ; and if there 
be more than one who have such majority, and have an equal number of votes, 
then the house of representatives shall immediately choose, by ballot, one of them 
for president: and if no person have a majority, then from the five highest on the 
list, the said house shall, in like manner, choose the president. But in choosing 
the president, the votes shall be taken by states, the representation from each state 
ha ving one vote ; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members 
from two-thirds of the states, and a majority of all the states shall be necessary 
to a choice. In every case, after the choice of the president, the person having the 
greatest number of votes of the electors, shall be the vice president. But if there 
should remain two or more who have equal votes, the senate shall choose from 
them by ballot, the vice president. 

IV. The congress may determine the time of choosing the electors, and the day 

on which they shall give their votes: which day shall be the same throughout the 
United States. , 

V. No person, except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United States at- 
the time of the adoption of this constitution, shall be eligible to the office of presi¬ 
dent, neither shall any person be eligible to that office, who shall not have attained 
to the age of thirty-five years, and been fourteen years a resident within the United 
States. 

VI. In case of the removal of the president from office, or of his death, resigna- • 
tion, or inability to discharge the' powers and duties of the said office, the same 
shall devolve on the vice president, and the congress may, by law, provide for the 
case of removal, death, resignation, or inability, both of the president and vice pre¬ 
sident, declaring what officer shall then act as president, and such officer shall act 
accordingly, until the disability be removed, or a president shall be elected. 

VII. The president shall, at stated times, receive for his services a compensation, 
which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the period for which he shall 
have been elected, and he shall not receive, within that period, any other emolument 
from the United States, or any of them. 

VIII. Before he enters on the execution of his office, he shall take the following 
oath, or affirmation: 

“ I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of pre¬ 
sident of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, 
and defend the Constitution of the United States.” 

SECTION II. 

( 

I. The president shall be commander-in-chief of the army and navy of the United 
States, and of the militia of the several states, when called into the actual service 
of the United States;.he may require the,opinion, in writing, of the principal 


CONSTITUTION. 


XXVll 


officer in each of the executive departments, upon any subject relating to the duties 
of their respective offices, and he shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons 
for offences against the United States, except in cases of impeachment. 

II. He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, to 
make treaties, provided two-thirds of the senators present concur; and he shall 
nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the senate, shall appoint am¬ 
bassadors, other public ministers, and consuls, judges of the supreme court, and all 
other officers of the United States, whose appointments are not herein otherwise 
provided for, and which shall be established by law. But the congress may, by 
law, vest the appointment of such inferior officers as tliey tliink proper in the pre¬ 
sident alone, in the courts of law, or in the heads of departments. 

III. The president shall have power to fill up all vacancies that may happen 
during tlie recess of the senate, by granting commissions, which shall expire at 
the end of their next session. 


SECTION III. 

He shall, from time to time, give to the congress information of the state of the 
Union, and recommend to tlicir consideration such measures as he shall judge 
necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary occasions, convene both 
houses, or either of them, and in case of disagreement between them, with respect 
to the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them to such time as he shall think 
proper ; he shall receive ambassadors and other public ministers; he shall take 
care that tlie laws be faithfully vexecuted, and shall commission all the officers of 
the United States. 

SECTION IV. 

The president, vice president, and all civil officers of the United States, shall be 
removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of treason, bribery, or 
other high crimes and misdemeanours. 

ARTICLE III. 

SECTION I. 

The judicial power of the United States shall be vested in one supreme court, 
and in such inferior courts as the congress may, from time to time, ordain and 
establish. The judges, both of the supreme and inferior courts, shall hold their 
offices during good behaviour, and shall, at stated times, receive for their services 
a compensation, which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office. 

SECTION II. 

I. The judicial power shall extend to all cases, in law and equity, arising under 
this constitution, the laws of the United States, and treaties made, or which shall 
be made, under their authority; to all cases affecting ambassadors, other public 
ministers and consuls; to all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction; to 
controversies to which the United States shall be a party; to controversies between 
two or more states, between a state and citizens of another state, between citizens 
of different states, between citizens of the same state claiming lands under grants 
of different states, and between a state, or the citizens thereof, and foreign states, 
citizens, or subjects. 


CONSTITUTION. 


xxviii 

II. In all oases affecting ambassadors, otlier public ministers, and consuls, and 
those in which a state shall be a party, the supreme court shall have original juris¬ 
diction. In all other cases before mentioned, the supreme court shall have appel¬ 
late jurisdiction,*both as to law and fiict, with such exceptions, and under such 
regulations as the congress shall make. 

III. The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall be by jury ; 

and such trials shall be held in the state where the said crime shall have been com¬ 
mitted ; but when not committed within any state, the trial shall be at such place, 
or places as the congress may, by law, have directed. ^ 

i. I ■ ' - ^ I .. - 

SECTION III. 

I. Treason against the United States shall consist only in levying war against' 
them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort. No person 
shall bo convicted of treason, unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same 
overt act, or on confession in open court. 

II. The congress shall have power to declare the punishment of treason, but no 

attainder of treason shall work corruption of blood, or forfeiture, except during the 
life of the person attainted. * 

ARTICLE IV. 

SECTION I. . ■' 

Full faith and credit shall be given in each state to the public acts, records,^and 
judicial proceedings of every other state. And the congress may, by general laws, 
prescribe the manner in which such acts, records, and proceedings shall be proved, 
and the effect thereof. t 

SECTION II. ' ■ 

I. The citizens of each state shall be entitled to all the privileges and immuni¬ 
ties of citizens in the several states. 

II. A person, charged in any state with treason, felony, or other crime, who shall 

flee from justice, and be found in another state, shall, on demand of the executive 
authority of the state from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the 
state having jurisdiction of the crime. * 

III. No person, held to service or labour in one state, under the laws thereof, 
escaping into another, shall, in consequence of any law, or regulation therein, be 
discharged from such service or labour, but shall be delivered up on claim of the 
party to whom such service or labour may be due. 

SECTION III. 

I. New states may be admitted by the congress into this Union, hut no new state 
shall be formed or erected within the jurisdiction of any other state; nor any state 
be formed by the junction of two or more states, or parts of states, without the 
consent of the legislatures of the states concerned, as well as of the congress. 

II. The congress shall have power to dispose of and make all needful rules and 
regulations respecting the territory, or other property, belonging to the United ' 
States ; and nothing in this constitution shall be so construed as to prejudice any 
claims of the United States, or of any particular state. 


CONSTITUTION. 


XXIX 


SECTION IV. 

The United States shall guarantee to every state in this Union, a republican form 
of government, and shall protect each of them against invasion ; and on applica¬ 
tion of tlie legislature, or of the executive (when .the legislature cannot be con- 
v'ened) against domestic violence. 

ARTICLE V. 

The congress, whenever two-thirds of both houses shall deem it necessary, shall 
propose amendments to this constitution, or, on the application of the legislatures 
of two-thirds of the several states, shall call a convention for proposing amend¬ 
ments, which, in cither case, shall be valid, to all intents and purposes, as part of 
this constitution, when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several 
states, or by conventions in three-fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of 
ratification may be proposed by the congress : Provided, that no amendment, which 
may be made prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight, shall, in 
any manner, afl’ect the first and fourth clauses in the ninth section of the first ar¬ 
ticle ; and that no state, without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suffrages 
in the senate. 

ARTICLE VI. 

I. All debts contracted, and engagements entered into, before the adoption of 
I his Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this constitution* 
as under the confederation. 

IT. This Constitution and the laws of the United States, which shall be made in 
punsuance thereof; and all treaties made, or which .shall be made, under the autho¬ 
rity of the United States, shall be the sui)reme law of the land; and the judges in 
every state shall be bound thereby, any thing in the constitution or laws of any 
state to the contrary notwithstanding. 

III. Tlie senators and representatives before mentioned, and the members of the 
several state legislatures, and all executive and judicial officers, both of the United 
States and of the .several states, shall bo bound by oath, or affirmation, to support 
this Constitution ; and no religious test shall ever be required, as a qualification to 
any office or public trust under the United States. 

ARTICLE VII. 

The ratification of the conventions of nine .states, shall be sufficient for the esta¬ 
blishment of this Constitution, between the states so ratifying the same. 

Done in convention by the unanimous consent of the states yresent^ the seventeenth 

day of September^ in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty- 

seven, and of the Independerue of the United States of America, the twelfth. . In 

witness ichcreof, we have hereunto subscribed our names. 

The Constitution, although formed in 1787, was not adopted until 1788, and did 
not commence its operations until 1789. The number of delegates chosen to this 
convention was sixty-five, of whom ten did not attend, and sixteen refused to sign 
the Constitution. The following thirty-nine signed the Constitution:— 

Kew Hampshire. —John Langdon, Nicholas Gelman. 

Nathaniel Gorham, Rufus King. 


XXX 


CONSTITUTION. 


Connectkut. —William Samuel Johnson, Roger Sherman. ^ 

New- York. —Alexander Hamilton. 

New Jersey. —William Livingston, David Brearley, William Patterson, Jonathan 
Dayton. > , ' ■ < . 

Pennsylvania. —Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Mifflin, Robert Morris, George 
Clymer, Thomas Fitzsimons, Jared Ingersoll, James Wilson, Gouverneur Morris. 

Delaware. —George Reac^ Gunning Bedford, jun., John Dickinson, Richara 
Bassett, Jacob Broom. 

Maryland. —James M’Henry, Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Daniel Caroll. 
Virginia. —John Blair, James Madison, jun. 

North Carolina. —William Blount, Richard Dobbs Spaight, Hugh Williamson. 
South Carolina. —John Rutledge, Charles C. Pinkney, Charles Pinkney, Pierce 
Butler. , 

Georgia. —William Few, Abraham Baldwin. 

GEORGE WASHINGTON, Prmdcn/. 

WILLIAM JACKSON, 


; • / V , 

amendments: ^' 

The following articles in addition to, and amendment of the Constitution of the United 

States, having been ratified by the legislatures of nine states, are equally obligatory 

with the Constitution itself. 

ARTICLED^ V 

") 

After the first enumeration required by the first article of the Constitution, theio 
shall be one representative for every' thirty thousand, until the number shall 
amount to one hundred, after which the proportion shall be so regulated by con¬ 
gress, that there shall not be less than one hundred representatives, nor less than 
one representative for every forty thousand persons, until the number of represen¬ 
tatives shall amount to two hundred, after which the proportion shall be so regu¬ 
lated by congress, that there shall not be less than two hundred representatives, 
nor more than one representative for every fifty thousand persons. 

ARTICLE H. ■ 

No law, varying the compensation for the services of the senators and represen¬ 
tatives, shall take effect, until an election of representatives shall have intervened. 

ARTICLE HI. 

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibit¬ 
ing the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; 
or the rights of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government 
for a redress of grievances. 

ARTICLE IV. 

A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right 
of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. 



CONSTITUTION. 


XXXI 


ARTICLE V. 

No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house, without the con¬ 
sent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law. 

ARTICLE VI. 

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, 
against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated ; and no warrants 
shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath, or affirmation, and parti¬ 
cularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. 

ARTICLE VII. 

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, 
unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in 
the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service, in time of war 
or public danger ; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice 
put in jeopardy of life or limb ; nor shall be compelled, in any criminal case, to be 
a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due 
process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use without just 
compensation. 

ARTICLE VIII. 

In all criminal prosecutions the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and 
public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall 
have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained bj 
law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation ; to be con¬ 
fronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining 
witnesses in his favour, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defence. 

ARTICLE IX. 

In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty 
dollars, the right of trial by jury shall bo preserved, and no fact, tried by jury shall 
bo otherwise re-examined in any court of the United States, than according to the 
rules of the common law. 

ARTICLE X. 

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and 
unusual punishments inflicted. 

ARTICLE XI. 

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to 
deny or disparage others retained by the people. 

ARTICLE XII. 

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited 
by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people. 

ARTICLE XIII. 

The judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any 
suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States, 
by citizens of another state, or by citizens or subjects of any foreign state. 


xxxii 


CONSTITUTION. 


ARTICLE XIV. 

The electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by ballot, for presi¬ 
dent and vice president, one of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the 
same state with themselves ; they shall name, m their ballots, the person voted for 
as president, and, in distinct ballots, the person voted for as vice president; and 
they shall make distinct lists of all persons voted for as president, and of all per¬ 
sons voted for as vice president, and of the number of votes for each, wdiich lists 
they shall sign and certify, and transmit, sealed, to the seat of the government of the 
United States, directed to the president of the senate. The president of the senate 
shall, in the presence of the senate and house of representatives, open all the cer¬ 
tificates, and the votes shall then be counted. The person having the greatest 
number of votes for president, shall be the president, if such a number be a majority 
of the whole number of electors appointed ; and if no person have such a majority, 
then from the persons having the highest numbers, not exceeding three on the list 
of those voted for as president, the house of representatives shall choose imme¬ 
diately by ballot the president. But, in choosing the president, the votes shall be 
taken by states, the representation from each state having one vote ; a quorum for 
this purpose shall consist of a member or mepibers from two-thirds of the states, 
and a majority of all the states shall bo necessary to a choice. And if the house 
of ^representatives shall not choose a president, whenever the right of choice shall 
devolve upon them, before the fourth day of March next following, then the vice 
president shall aef as president, as in the case of the death, or other constitu¬ 
tional disability of the president. 

The person having the greatest number of votes as vice president, shall be the vice 
president, if such number be a majority of the whole number of electors appointed ; 
and if no person have a majority, then, from the two highest numbers on the list, 
the senate shall choose the vice president—a'/ quorum for the purpose shall consist 
of two-thirds of the whole number of senators, and a majority of the whole number 
shall be necessary to a choice. 

But no person, constitutionally ineligible to the office of president, shall be eligi¬ 
ble to that of vice president of the United States. 

ARTICLE XV. 

i 

If any citizen of the United States shall accept, claim, receive, or retain any title 
of nobility or honour ; or shall, without the consent of congress, accept and retain 
any present, pension, office, or emolument of any kind whatever, from any empe- ^ 
ror, king, prince, or foreign power, such person sliall cease to be a citizen of the 
United States, and shall be incapable of holding any office of trust or profit undei^ 
them, or either of them. 


AVASHINGTON’S FAREWELL ADDRESS. 


X.VXlll 


WASHINGTON’S FAREWELL ADDRESS 


TO THE PEOPLE OP THE 


UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 


Friends and Fellow Citizens, 

The period for a new election of a citizen to administer the executive govern¬ 
ment of the United States, being not far distant, and the time actually arrived 
when your thoughts must be employed in designating the person who is to be 
clothed with that important trust, it appears to me proper, especially as it may 
conduce to a more distinct expression of the public voice, that I should now apprise 
you of the resolution I have formed, to decline being considered among the num¬ 
ber of those out of whom a choice is to be made. 

1 beg you, at the same time, to do me the justice to be assured, that this resolu¬ 
tion has not been taken without a strict regard to all the considerations appertain¬ 
ing to the relation which binds a dutiful citizen to his country ; and that, in with¬ 
drawing the tender of service, which silence, in my situation, might imply, I am 
influenced by no diminution of zeal for your future interest; no deficiency of 
grateful respect for your past kindness; but am supported by a full conviction 
that the step is compatible with both. 

The acceptance of, and continuance hitherto in the cifice to which your suffrages 
iiave twice called me, have been a uniform sacrifice of inclination to the opinion 
of duty, and to a deference for what appeared to be your desire. I constantly 
hoped that it would have been much earlier in my power, consistently with motives 
which I was not at liberty to disregard, to return to that retirement frqm which I 
had been reluctantly drawn. The strength of my inclination to do this, previous 
to the last election, had even led to the preparation of an address to declare it to 
you ; but mature reflection on the then perplexed and critical posture of our affairs 
with foreign nations, and the unanimous advice of persons entitled to my confi¬ 
dence, impelled me to abandon the idea. 

1 rejoice that the state of your concerns, external as well as internal, no longer 
renders the pursuit of inclination incompatible with the sentiment of duty or pro¬ 
priety ; and am persuaded, whatever partiality may‘be retained for my services, 
that, in the present circumstances of our country, you will not disapprove ray 
determination to retire. 

The impressions with which I first undertook the arduous trust, were explaineu 
on the proper occasion. In the discharge of this trust, I will only say, that I have 
wfith good intentions contributed towards the organization and administration of 
the government, the best exertions of which a very fallible judgment was capable. 
Not unconscious in the outset, of the inferiority of my qualifications, experience 
in my own eyes, perhaps still more in the eyes of others, has strengthened the 
motives to diffidence of myself; and every day the increasing weight of years, 
admonishes me more and more, that the shade of retirement is as necessary to me 

E 


xxxiv WASHINGTON’S FAREWELL ADDRESS. 

as it will be welcome. Satisfied that if any circumstances have given peculiar 
value to my services, they were temporary, I have the consolation to believe, that 
while choice and prudence invite me to quit the political scene, patriotism does not 
forbid it. 

In looking forward to the moment which is intended to terminate the career of 
my public life, my feelings do not permit me to suspend the deep acknowledg¬ 
ment of that debt of gratitude which I owe to my beloved country, for the many 
honours it has conferred upon me ; still more for the stedfast confidence with 
which it has supported me; and for the opportunities I have thence enjoyed, of 
manifesting my inviolable attachment, by services faithful and persevering, though 
in usefulness unequal to my zeal. If benefits have resulted to our country from 
these services, let it always be remembered to your praise, and as an instructive 
example in our annals, that, under circumstances in which the passions, agitated 
in every direction, were liable to mislead, amidst appearances sometimes dubious, 
vicissitudes of fortune, often discouraging in situations in which, not unfrequently, 
want of success has countenanced the spirit of criticism, the constancy of your 
support was the essential prop of the efforts, and a guarantee of the plans by which 
they were effected. Profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shall carry it with me 
to my grave, as a strong incitement to unceasing vows, that Heaven may continue 
to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence ; that your union and brotherly affec¬ 
tion may be perpetual; that the free constitution, which is the work of your hands, 
may be sacredly maintained; that its administration, in every department, may 
be stamped with wisdom and virtue ; that, in fine, the happiness of the people of 
these states, under the auspices of liberty, may be made complete, by so careful a 
preservation, and so prudent a use of this blessing, as will acquire to them the 
glory of recommending it to the applause, the affection, and the adoption of every 
nation which is yet a stranger to it. 

Here, perhaps, I ought to stop: but a solicitude for your welfare, which cannot 
end but with my life, and the apprehension of danger natural to that solicitude, 
urge me, on an occasion like the present, to offer to your solemn contemplation, 
and to recommend to your frequent review, some sentiments, which are the result 
Df much reflection—of no inconsiderable observation—and which appear to me all 
important,to the permanency of your felicity as a people. These will be afforded 
to you with the more freedom, as you can only see in them the disinterested warn¬ 
ings of a parting friend, who can possibly have no personal motive to bias his 
counsel: nor can I forget, as an encouragement to it, your indulgent reception of 
my sentiments on a former and not dissimilar occasion. 

Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligament of your hearts, no 
recommendation of mine is necessary to fortify or confirm the attachment. 

The unity of government, which constitutes you one people, is also now dear to 
you. It is justly so ; for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real inde¬ 
pendence ; the support of your tranquillity at home, your peace abroad ; of your 
safety ; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize. But 
as it is easy to foresee, that from different causes and from different quarters, 
much pains will be taken, many artifices employed to weaken, in your minds, the 
conviction of this truth; as tliis is the point in your political fortress against which 
the batteries of internal and external enemies will be most constantly and actively 
(though often covertly and insidiously) directed, it is of infinite moment that you 
should properly estimate the immense value of your national union, to your col¬ 
lective and individual happiness; that you should cherish a cordial, habitual, and 
immoveable attachment to it; accustoming yourselves to think and speak of it as 


WASHINGTON’S FAREWELL ADDRESS. 


XXXV 


of the palladium of your political safety and prosperity ; watching for its preser¬ 
vation with jealous anxiety; discountenancing whatever may suggest even a 
suspicion that it can, in any event, be abandoned ; and indignantly frowning upon 
the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the 
rest, or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now link together the various parts. 

For this you have every inducement of sympathy and interest. Citizens by 
birth or clioice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your 
affections. The name of American^ which belongs to you in your national capa¬ 
city, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism, more than any appellation 
derived from local discriminations. With sliglit shades of difference, you have 
the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles. You have, in a 
common cause, fought and triumplied together : the independence and liberty you 
possess, are the work of joint councils and joint efforts, of common dangers, 
sufferings, and successes. 

But these considerations, however powerfully they address themselves to your 
sensibility, are greatly outweighed by those which apply more immediately to your 
interest: here every portion of our country finds the most commanding motives 
for carefully guarding and preserving the union of the whole. 

The Norths in an unrestrained intercourse with the South, protected by the equal 
laws of a common government, finds, in the productions of the latter, great addi¬ 
tional resources of maritime and commercial enterprise, and precious materials of 
manufacturing industry. The South, in the same intercourse, benefiting by the 
same agency of the North, sees its agriculture grow, and its commerce expand. 
Turning partly into its own channels the seamen of the North, it finds its particular 
navigation invigorated : and while it contributes, in different ways, to nourish and 
increase the general mass of the national navigation, it looks forward to the pro¬ 
tection of a maritime strength, to which itself is unequally adapted. The East, 
in like intercourse with the West, already finds, and in the progressive improve¬ 
ment of interior communication, by land and water, will more and more find a 
valuable vent for the commodities which it brings from abroad, or manufactures 
at home. The West derives from the East supplies requisite to its growth and 
comfort; and what is perhaps of still greater consequence, it must, of necessity, 
owe the secure enjoyment of indispensable outlets for its own productions, to the 
weight, influence, and the future maritime strength of the Atlantic side of the 
Union, directed by an indissoluble community of interest as one nation. Any 
other tenure by which the West can hold this essential advantage, whether derived 
from its own separate strength, or from an apostate and unnatural connexion with 
any foreign power, must be intrinsically precarious. 

While, then, every part of our country thus feels an immediate and particular 
interest in union, all the parts combined cannot fail to find, in the united mass of 
means and eiforts, greater strength, greater resource, proportionably greater secu¬ 
rity from external danger, a less frequent interruption of their peace by foreign 
nations : and what is of inestimable value, they must derive from union an exemp¬ 
tion from those broils and wars between themselves, which so frequently afflict 
neighbouring countries, not tied together by the same government; which their 
own rivalships alone would be sufficient to produce, but which opposite foreign 
alliances, attachments, and intrigues, would stimulate and imbitter. Hence, like¬ 
wise, they will avoid the necessity of those overgrown military establishments, 
which, under any form of government, are inauspicious to liberty, and which are 
to be regarded as particularly hostile to republican liberty; in this sense it is, that 


i 


XXXVl 


WASHINGTON’S FAREWELL ADDRESS. 


your union ought to be considered as a main prop of your liberty, and that the 
love of the one ought to endear to you the preservation of the other. 

These considerations speak a persuasive language to every reflecting and vir¬ 
tuous mind, and exhibit the continuance of the union as a primary object of 
patriotic desire. Is there a doubt, whether a common government can embrace 
so large a sphere ?—Let experience solve it. To listen to mere speculation in such 
a case, were criminal. We are authorized to hope, that a proper organization of 
the whole, with the auxiliary agency of governments for the respective subdi¬ 
visions, will afford a happy issue to the experiment. It is well worth a fair and 
full experiment. With such powerful and obvious motives to union, affecting all 
parts of our country, while experience shall not have demonstrated its impracti¬ 
cability, there will always be reason to distrust the patriotism of those, who in any 
quarter may endeavour to weaken its bands. 

In contemplating the causes which may disturb our union, it occurs as a matter 
of serious concern, that any ground should have been furnished for characterizing 
parties by geographical discriminations :—Northern and Southern:—Atlantic and 
Western: whence designing men may endeavour to excite a belief that there is a 
real difference of local interests and views. One of the expedients of party to 
acquire influence within particular districts is, to misrepresent the opinions and 
aims of other districts. You cannot shield yourselves too much against the 
jealousies and heart burnings which spring from these misrepresentations: they 
tend to render alien to-each other those who ought to be bound together by fra¬ 
ternal affection. The inhabitants of our western country have lately had a useful 
lesson on this head; they have seen in the negotiation by the executive, and in 
the unanimous ratification by the senate, of the treaty with Spain, and in the uni¬ 
versal satisfaction at that event throughout the United States, a decisive proof how 
unfounded were the suspicions propagated among them, of a policy in the general 
government and in the Atlantic states, unfriendly to their interests, in regard to 
the Mississippi : they have been witnesses to the formation of two treaties; that 
with Great Britain, and that with Spain, which secure to them every thing they 
could desire, in respect to our foreign relations, towards confirming their pros¬ 
perity. Will it not be their wisdom to rely for the preservation of these advan¬ 
tages on the union by which they were procured ? Will they not henceforth be 
deaf to those advisers, if such there are, who would sever them from their brethren, 
and connect them with aliens ? 

To the efficacy and permanency of your union, a government for the whole is 
indispensable. No alliance, however strict between the parts, can be an adequate 
substitute; they must inevitably experience the infractions and interruptions 
which all alliances, in all times, have experienced. Sensible of this momentous 
truth, you have improved upon your first essay, by the adoption of a constitution 
of government better calculated tlian your former, for an intimate union, and for 
the efficacious management of your common concerns. This government, the 
offspring of our own choice, uninfluenced and unawed, adopted upon full investi¬ 
gation and mature deliberation, completely free m its principles, in the distribution 
of its powers, uniting security with energy, and containing within itself a pro¬ 
vision for its own amendment, lias a just claim to your confidence and your sup¬ 
port. Respect for its authority, compliance with its laws, acquiescence in its 
measures, are duties enjoined by the fundamental maxims of trne liberty. The 
basis of our political systems is, the right of the people to make and to alter their 
constitutions of government: but, the constitution which at any time exists, till 
changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obliga- 


V.ASHINGTON’S FAREWELL ADDRESS. xxxvii 

tory upon all. The very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish 
government, pre-supposes the duty of every individual to obey the established 
government. 

All obstructions to the execution of the laws, all combinations and associations, 
under whatever i>lausible character, with the real design to direct, control, 
counteract, or awe the regular deliberation and action of the constituted authori¬ 
ties, are destructive of this fundamental principle, and of fatal tendency. They 
serve to organize faction, to give it an artificial and extraordinary force, to put in 
the place of the delegated will of the nation, the will of a party, often a small but 
artful and enterprising minority of the community : and, according to the alter¬ 
nate triumphs of different parties, to make the public administration the mirror of 
the ill-concerted and incongruous projects of faction, rather than the organ of 
consistent and wholesome plans, digested by common councils, and modified by 
mutual interests. 

However combinations or associations of the above description may now and 
then answer popular ends, they are likely, in the course of time and things, to be¬ 
come potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men, will 
be enabled to subvert the power of the people, and to usurp for themselves the 
reins of government; destroying, afterwards, the very engines which had lifted 
them to unjust dominion. 

Towards the preservation of your government, and the permanency of your 
present happy state, it is requisite, not only that you steadily discountenance 
irregular oppositions to its acknowledged authority, but also, that you resist with 
care the spirit of innovation upon its principles, however specious the pretexts. 
One method of assault may be to effect, in the forms of the constitution, alterations 
which will impair the energy of the system, and thus to undermine what cannot 
be directly overthrown. In all the changes to which you may be invited, remem¬ 
ber, that time and habit are at least as necessary to fix the true character of 
governments, as of other human institutions ; that experience is tlie surest standard 
by which to test the real tendency of the existing constitution of a country ; that 
facility in changes, upon the credit of mere hypothesis and opinion, exposes to 
perpetual change, from the endless variety of hypothesis and opinion; and 
remember, especially, that for the eliicient management of your common interests, 
in a country so extefisive as our.s, a government of as much vigour as is consistent 
with the perfect security of liberty, is indispensable. Liberty itself will find in 
such a government, with powers properly distributed and adjusted, its surest 
guardian. It is, indeed, little else than a name, where the government is too 
feeble to u ithstand the enterprises of faction, to confine each men)ber of the society 
within the limits prescribed by the laws, and to maintain all in the secure and 
tranquil enjoyment of the rights of person and property. 

1 have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the state, with particular 
reference to the founding of them on geographical discriminations. Let me now 
take a more comprehensive view, and warn you, in the most solemn manner, 
against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally. 

The spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the 
strongest ])assions of the liuman mind. It exists, under difterent shapes, in all 
governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed ; but in those of the 
popular form it is seen in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy. 

The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit 
of revenge, natural to party dissension, which, in different ages and countries, has 
perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this 


xxxviii WASHINGTON’S FAREWELL ADDRESS. 


leads, at length, to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and 
miseries which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and 
repose in the absolute power of an individual, and, sooner or later, the chief of 
some prevailing faction, more able or more fortupate than his competitors, turns 
this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation on the ruins of public liberty. 

Witliout looking forward to an extremity of this kind, (which, nevertheless, 
ought not to be entirely out of sight,) the common and continual mischiefs of the 
spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to 
discourage and restrain it. 

It serves always to distract the public councils, and enfeeble the public adminis¬ 
tration. It agitates the community with ill founded jealousies and false alarms ; 
kindles the animosity of one part against another; foments, occasionally, riot and 
insurrection. It opens the door to foreignf influence and corruption, which find a 
facilitated access to the government itself, through the channels of party passions. 
Thus the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and will 
of another. 

There is an opinion, that parties, in free countries, are useful checks upon the 
administration of the government, and serve to keep alive the spirit of liberty. 
This, within certain limits, is probably true ; and in governments of a monarchical 
cast, patriotism may look with indulgence, if not with favour upon the spirit of 
party. But in those of the popular character, in governments purely elective, it is 
a spirit not to be encouraged. From their natural tendency, it is certain there 
will always be enough of that spirit for every salutary purpose. And there being 
constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be, by force of public opinion, to 
mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance 
to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of w^arining, it should consume. 

It ns important likewise, that the habits of thinking, in a free country, should 
inspire caution in those entrusted with its administration, to confine themselves 
within their respective constitutional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the 
powers of one department, to encroach upon another. The spirit of encroachment 
tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create, 
wdiatever the form of government, a real despotism. A just estimate of that love 
of power, and proneness to abuse it, which predominates in the human heart, is 
sufficient to satisfy us of the truth of this position. The necessity of reciprocal 
checks in the exercise of political power by dividing and distributing it into diffe¬ 
rent depositories, and constituting each the guardian of the public weal, against 
invasions by the others, has been evinced by experiments ancient and modern: 
some of them in our own country, and under our own eyes. To preserve them m^t 
be as necessary as to institute them. If, in the opinion of the people, the distri¬ 
bution or modification of the constitutional powers, be, in any particular, wrong, 
let it be corrected by an amendment in the w’^ay which the constitution designates. 
But let there be no change by usurpation ; for though this, in one instance, may 
be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by wdiich free governments 
are destroyed. The precedent must always greatly overbalance, in permanent 
evil, any partial or transient benefit which the use can, at any time, yield. 

Of all the disposition and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and 
morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute 
of patriotism, who should labour to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, 
these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally 
with the pious man, ought to respect and cherish them. A volume could not 
trace all their connexions with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked. 


WASHINGTON’S FAREWELL ADDRESS. 


XXXIX 


where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious 
obligation desert the oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in courts 
of justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be 
maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of 
refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid 
us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principles. 

’Tis substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular 
government. The rule indeed extends with more or less force to every species of 
free government. Who, that is a sincere friend to it, can look with indifference 
upon attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric. 

Promote, tlien, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general 
diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives 
force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened. 

As a very important source of strength and security, cherish public credit. One 
method of preserving it is to use it as sparingly as possible : avoiding occasions 
of expense by cultivating peace, but remembering also that timely disbursements 
to prepare for danger, frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel it ; 
avoiding, likewise, the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions of 
expense, but by vigorous exertions in time of peace, to discharge the debts, which 
unavoidable wars may have occasioned, not ungenerously throwing upon posterity 
the burden which we ourselves ought to bear. The execution of these maxims 
belongs to your representatives, but it is necessary that public opinion should co-ope¬ 
rate. To facilitate to them the performance of their duty, it is essential that you 
should practically bear in mind, that, towards the payment of debts there mu^st 
be revenue; that to have revenue there must be taxes ; that no taxes can be 
devised which are not more or less inconvenient and unpleasant; that the intrinsic 
embarrassment, inseparable frozn the selection of the proper objects (which is 
always a choice of difficulties,) ought to be a decisive motive for a candid con¬ 
struction of the conduct of the government in making it, and for a spirit of acqui¬ 
escence in the measures for obtaining revenue which the public exigencies may 
at any time, dictate. 

Observe good faith and justice towards all nations ; cultivate peace and harmony 
with all; religion and morality enjoin this conduct; and can it be that good 
policy does not equally enjoin it ? It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and, at 
no distant period, a great nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous and too 
novel example of a people alvvays guided by an exalted justice and benevolence. 
Who can doubt but, in the course of time and things, the fruits of such a plan 
would richly repay any temporary advantages which might be lost by a steady 
adherence to it ? Can it be, that Providence has not connected the permanent 
felicity of a nation with its virtue ? The experiment, at least, is recommended by 
every sentiment which ennobles human nature. Alas ! is it rendered impossible 
by its vices ? 

In the execution of such a plan, nothing is more essential than that permanent 
inveterate antipathies against particular nations, and passionate attachments for 
others should be excluded ; and that, in place of them, just and amicable feelings 
towards all should be cultivated. The nation which indulges towards another an 
habitual hatred, or an habitual fondness, is, in some degree a slave. It is a slave 
to its animosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from 
its duty and its interest. Antipathy in one nation against another, disposes each 
more readily to offer insult and injury, to lay hold of slight causes of umbrage, 
and to be haughty and intractible, when accidental or trifling occasions of dispute 


xl 


WASHINGTON’S FAREWELL ADDRESS. 


occur. Hence frequent collision.^, obstinate, envenomed, and bloody contests. 
The nation, prompted by ill will and resentment, sometimes impels to war the 
government, contrary to the best calculations of policy. The government some¬ 
times partibijiates in tlie national propensity, and adopts, through passion, what 
reason would reject; at other times, it makes the animosity of the nation sub¬ 
servient to projects of hostility, instigated by pride, ambition, and other sinister and 
pernicious motives. The peace often, sometimes perhaps the liberty, of nations has 
been the victim. ' <' 

So, likewise, a passionate attachment of one nation to another produces a 
variety of evils. Sympathy for the favourite nation, facilitating the illusion of an 
imaginary common interest, in cases where no real common interest exists, and infus¬ 
ing into one the enmities of the other, betrays the former into a participation in the 
quarrels and wars of the latter, without adequate inducement or justification. It 
leads also to concessions to the favourite nation of privileges denied to others, 
W’hich is apt doubly to injure the nation making the concessions ; by unnecessarily 
parting with what ought to have been retained, and by exciting jealousy, ill will, 
and a disposition to retaliate, in the parties from w’hom equal privileges are with¬ 
held ; and it gives to ambitious, corrupted, or deluded citizens (who devote them¬ 
selves to the favourite nation) facility to betray, or sacrifice the interest of their 
ow’n country, without odium, sometimes even with popularity ; gilding with the 
appearances of a virtuous sense of obligation, a commendable deference for public 
opinion, or a laudable zeal for public good, the base or foolish compliances of am¬ 
bition, corruption, or infatuation. 

As avenues to foreign influence in innumerable w^ays, such attachments are par¬ 
ticularly alarming to the truly enlightened and independent patriot. How many 
opportunities do they afford to tamper with domestic factions, to practise the art 
of seduction, to mislead public opinion, to influence or awe the public councils ! 
Such an attachment of a small or weak, towards a great and powerful nation, 
dooms the former to be the satellite of the latter. 

Against the insidious wdles of foreign influence (I conjure you to believe mo, 
fellow citizens) the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake ; since 
history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful 
foes of republican government. But that jealousy, to be useful, must be impartial; 
else it becomes the instrument of the very influence to be avoided, instead of 
a defence against it. Excessive partiality for one foreign nation, and excessive 
dislike for another, cause those whom they actuate to see danger only on one side, 
and serve to veil and even second the arts of influence on the other. Ileal patriots, 
who may resist the intrigues of the favourite, are liable to become suspected and 
odious; wiiile its tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the 
people, to surrender their interests. 

The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations is, in extending 
our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connexion as pos¬ 
sible. So far as we have already formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with 
perfect good faith.—Here let us stop. 

Europe has a set of primary interests, which to us have none, or a very remote 
relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of 
which are essentially foreign to our concerns. Hence, therefore, it must be unwise 
in us to implicate ourselves, by artificial ties, in the ordinary vicissitudes of her 
politics, or the ordinary combinations and collisions of her friendships or enmities. 

Our detached and distant situation invites and enables us to pursue a different 
course. If we remain one people, under an efficient government, the period is not 


WASHINGTON’S FAREWELL ADDRESS. 


xli 


far off when we may defy material injury from external annoyance; when we 
may take such an attitude as will cause the neutrality we may at any time resolve 
upon, to be scrupulously respected ; when belligerent nations, under the impossi¬ 
bility of making acquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving us provo¬ 
cation ; when we may choose peace or w^ar, as our interest, guided by justice, 
shall counsel. 

Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation ? Why quit our own to 
stand upon foreign ground ? Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any 
part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambi¬ 
tion, rivalship, interest, humour, or caprice i* 

’Tis our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the 
foreign world; so far, I mean, as we are now at liberty to do it; for let me not 
be understood as capable of patronising infidelity to existing engagements. I hold 
the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is 
always the best policy. I repeat it, therefore, let those engagements be observed 
in their genuine sense. But, in my opinion, it is unnecessary and would be 
unwise to extend them. 

Taking care always to keep ourselves, by suitable establishments on a re¬ 
spectable defensive posture, we may safely trust to temporary alliances for 
extraordinary emergencies. 

Harmony, and a liberal intercourse with all nations, are recommended by policy, 
humanity, and interest. But even our commercial policy should hold an equal* 
and impartial hand; neither seeking nor granting exclusive favours or preferences; 
consulting the natural course of things ; diffusing and diversifying, by gentle 
means, the streams of commerce, but forcing nothing: establishing, with powers 
so disposed, in order to give trade a stable course, to define the rights of our mer¬ 
chants, and to enable the government to support them, conventional rules of 
intercourse, the best that present circumstances and mutual opinions will permit, 
but temporary, and liable to be, from time to time, abandoned or varied, as expe¬ 
rience and circumstances shall dictate ; constantly keeping in view, that ’tis folly 
in one nation to look for disinterested favours from another ; that it must pay with 
a portion of its independence for whatever it may accept under that character ; 
that by such acceptance, it may place itself in the condition of having given 
equivalents for nominal favours, and yet of being reproached with ingratitude for 
not giving more. There can be no greater error than to expect, or calculate upon 
real favours from nation to nation. ’Tis an illusion, which experience must cure, 
which a just pride ought to discard. 

In offering to you, my countrymen, these counsels of an old and affectionate 
friend, I dare not hope they will make the strong and lasting impression I could 
wish; that they will control the usual current of the passions, or prevent our 
nation from running the course which has hitherto marked the destiny of nations; 
but if I may even flatter myself, that they may be productive of some partial 
benefit, some occasional good; that they may now and then recur to moderate the 
fury of party spirit, to warn against the mischiefs of foreign intrigues, to guard 
against the impostures of pretended patriotism; this hope will be a full recompense 
for the solicitude for your welfare by which they have been dictated. 

How far, in the discharge of my official duties, I have been guided by the prin¬ 
ciples which have been delineated, the public records, and other evidences of my 
conduct, must witness to you and the world. To myself, the assurance of my 
own conscience is, that I have at least believed myself to be guided by them. 

In relation to the still subsisting war in Europe, my proclamation of the 22d of 

F 


■X 


xlii WASHINGTON’S FAREWELL ADDRESS. 

April, 1793, is the index to my plan. Sanctioned by your approving voice, and 
by that of your representatives in both houses of congress, the spirit of that 
measure has continually governed me, uninfluenced by any attempts to deter or 
divert me from it. 

After deliberate examination, with the aid of the best lights I could obtain, I 
was well satisfied that our country, under all the circumstances of the case, had a 
right to take, and was bound in duty and interest to take a neutral position. 
Having taken it, I determined, as far as should depend< upon me, to maintain it 
with moderation, perseverance, and firmness. 

The considerations which respect the right to hold this conduct, it is not neces¬ 
sary on this occasion to detail. I will only observe, that, according to my under¬ 
standing of the matter, that right, so far from being denied by any of the belligerent 
powers, has been virtually admitted by all. 

The duty of holding a neutral conduct may be inferred, without any thing 
more, from the obligation which justice and humanity impose on every nation, in 
cases in which it is free to act, to maintain inviolate the relations of peace and 
amity towards other nations. 

The inducements of interest, for observing that conduct, will best be referred to 
your own reflections and experience. With me, a predominant motive has been, 
to endeavour to gain time to our country to settle and mature its yet recent insti¬ 
tutions, and to progress, without interruption, to that degree of strength and con- 
^sistency, which is necessary to give it, humanly speaking, the command of its 
own fortunes. 

Though in reviewing the incidents of my administration, I am unconscious of 
intentional error, I am, nevertheless, too sensible of my defects, not to think it 
probable that I may have committed many errors. Whatever they may be, I 
fervently beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate the evils to which they may 
tend. I shall also carry with me the hope, that my country will never cease to 
view them with indulgence ; and that, after forty-five years of my life dedicated 
to its service, with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will be 
consigned to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the mansions of rest. 

Relying on its kindness in this as in other things, and actuated by that fervent 
love towards it which is so natural to a man, who views in it the native soil of 
himself and his progenitors for several generations; I anticipate, with pleasing 
expectation, that retreat, in which I promise myself to realize, without alloy, the 
sweet enjoyment of partaking, in the midst of my fellow citizens, the benign 
influence of good laws under a free government—the ever favourite object of my 
heart, and the happy reward, as I trust, of our mutual cares, labours, and dangers. 

GEORGE WASHINGTON. „ 

United States^ llth September^ 1796. 


[This address the father of his country wrote on resigning his office as presi¬ 
dent of the United States, September, 1796. The motive of his writing was, his 
parental anxiety, lest his countrymen should on some future occasion, forget those 
maxims of virtue and prudence, from which their prosperous condition had arisen, 
and with the neglect of which he knew it must decline. These maxims Americans 
should learn in youth, and practise in later life.] 


t 


LIST OF AUTHORS. 


xliii 


The following is a list of the authors consulted in the 
compilation of this work. 

Holmes* Annals, 1st and 2d editions, 

Yates* and Moulton*s History of New-York, 

Jefferson’s Notes on Virginia, 

Hoyt’s Antiquarian Researches, 

Golden’s History of the Five Nations, 

Trumbull’s History of Connecticut, 

Hale’s Premium History, 

History of the United States, by a citizen of Massachusetts, 
Butler’s History of the United States, 

Marshall’s Life of Washington, 

Encyclopedia, 

Robertson’s History of America, 

Grimshaw’s United States, 

American Biography, 

Universal Biography, 

Allen’s History of the Revolution, 

Botta’s American Revolution, 

Niles’ Register, 

Belknap’s History of New Hampshire, 

Webster’s Letters, 

Brown’s History of the last War, 

Brackenridge’s History of last War, 

Morse’s Geography, 

Wilkinson’s Memoirs, 

Goodrich’s United States, 

Mather’s Magnalia, 

State Papers, 

Trial of Col. Burr, 

Secret Debates of the Federal Convention, 

Salmon’s Gazetteer, 

Biography of eminent men in North America, 

Trumbull’s United States, 

Smith’s History of New York, 

Lavoisne’s Atlas, 

Ramsay’s History of the United States, continued by Smith, 
Bigland’s View of the World, 

Hume’s History of England, continued by Smollet and Bissett, 
New England Fathers, 

Baines’ History of the Wars of the French Revolution, 


xliv 


LIST OF AUTHORS. 


Pitkin’s Civil and Political History of the United States, 
American Atlas, 

Slade’s Vermont State Papers, 

Fay’s Official Reports, 

Hull’s Trial, 

Hull’s Memoirs of the Northern Campaign, 

Eaton’s Life of Jackson, 

Journals of the Revolutionary Congress, 

Trumbull’s Indian Wars, 

Biography of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, 
Irving’s Life of Columbus, 

Archaeologia Americana, 

Sanford’s History of the United States and Aborigines, 
Schoolcraft’s Travels, 

Morse’s Indian Reports, 

Ramsay’s Life of Washington, 

Wirt’s Life of Patrick Henry, 


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